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The NATO bosses have left, the heads of government are back in their capitals. And the people of Vilnius, who are hosting this week’s NATO summit, have a faint hope that their city will not be forgotten in a hurry. The local tourism experts call the Lithuanian capital the “G-spot of Europe”: nobody knows exactly where it is. But whoever finds them has a lot of fun.
Vilnius, this huge village on the banks of the Neris with its beautiful old town, haunting Soviet relics and thousands of pubs, lives in constant fear of not being taken seriously. “Sorry if the real Vilnius surpasses your imagination,” posters proclaim all over the city. “Unexpectedly wonderful” is the official slogan of the mini-metropolis, which celebrates its 700th anniversary this year.
Blick felt the pulse of the city on the edge of the NATO summit and found seven reasons why a city trip to Vilnius is worthwhile.
1
Lukiske prison: a place of artistic freedom
Between 1904 and 2019, Lukiskes Prison in the middle of the city was not a place you wanted to end up: up to 1,000 prisoners starved to death in the cramped cells here. Today, the former prison is a venue for concerts and exhibitions. If you like, let yourself be guided through the former dungeons – or enjoy the unobstructed view of the sky in the courtyard with a Svyturys beer.
2
Get your passport stamped in the Republic of Užupis
On April 1, 1997, the inhabitants of Užupis County declared their independence from Lithuania. To this day, the neighborhood is home to artists and oddball eccentrics. You can get your passport stamped at customs and admire the outdoor artwork. The constitution that the Užupians have given themselves is exciting. It guarantees everyone here the right to be happy, to make mistakes and to always have hot water and a roof over their heads. And: it forbids its residents to ever give up.
3
Street art in Soviet factory
Even street artist Banksy would be jealous: The murals in the Loftas (“Open Gallery”) Soviet industrial hall change every few months. They are colorful and very political. In the backyard of the factory is a pub and a lot of inspiration.
4
Partying in the UNESCO Old Town
Colorful facades, enchanting alleys, beautiful squares, many churches and the occasional old Soviet building that squeezes between the medieval buildings: Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest in Eastern Europe – and with its cafes, restaurants and shops one of the liveliest. Unesco has placed them under protection. Particularly beautiful: the glass district, once inhabited by Jewish workers, with its craft stalls. Particularly loud: the two pub alleys of Vilniaus and Islandijos.
5
Baltic states in a balloon
The view over the city from the old TV tower or the tower of St. John’s Church is not bad. An even better view of the Baltic pearl (and surrounding forests all the way to Belarus) is from one of the hot air balloons that fly over the city on fine days (depart from Vingis Park). Of course only if the airspace is not blocked by the NATO helicopters.
6
Dark story: visit to the KGB prison
On March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first ex-republic to leave the Soviet Union. Until then, the Soviet secret service KGB had used brutal force to suppress dissidents and critical thinkers. In the former torture prison in Vilnius, much is the same as when KGB henchmen interrogated, imprisoned and tortured Lithuanians here. A gloomy place. And an important reminder.
7
Baltic party pearl
Old warehouses and huge city parks provide the perfect stage for concerts and parties of all kinds. When it comes to nightlife, Vilnius can easily compete with Riga, the capital of neighboring Latvia to the north. For a long time it was the undisputed number 1 in the Baltic States. Things will get particularly wild at the next “Sostines Dienos”, the three-day urban festival from September 1 to 3, 2023.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
