Vilnius Old Town facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
| Location | Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iv) |
| Inscription | 1994 (18th Session) |
| Extensions | 2012 |
| Area | 352.09 ha (870.0 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 1,912.24 ha (4,725.2 acres) |
The Old Town of Vilnius (Lithuanian: Vilniaus senamiestis) is a really old and special part of the city of Vilnius in Lithuania. It's one of the biggest and most beautiful old towns from the Middle Ages in all of Europe. This historic area is about 3.59 square kilometers (which is like 887 football fields!). People started living here a long, long time ago, and it became a town in the early 13th century.
When you visit, you'll find lots of narrow streets, ancient churches, cool museums, and pretty courtyards filled with flowers. The main gathering spots in the Old Town are Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square. Because of its amazing history and beauty, the Vilnius Old Town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
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Exploring Vilnius Old Town
The Old Town of Vilnius is packed with interesting places to see and learn about. You'll find more historic buildings here than anywhere else in the city.
Famous Palaces to See
Vilnius Old Town is home to several grand palaces. These buildings were once lived in by important people or royalty.
- Presidential Palace: This is where the President of Lithuania works and lives. It's a very important building for the country.
- Slushko Palace: A beautiful palace with a rich history.
- Radvilu Palace: This palace belonged to the powerful Radziwill family.
- Tyzenhaus Palace: Another historic palace that shows off old architectural styles.
- Vilnius Castle Complex: This includes the famous Gediminas Tower and the Royal Palace. The tower offers amazing views of the city!
Historic Churches and Religious Sites
The Old Town has many beautiful churches and religious monuments, each with its own unique story and design.
- St. Anne's Church: Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, it's a true masterpiece.
- Vilnius Cathedral: Located in Cathedral Square, this is one of the most important churches in Lithuania.
- St. Nicholas Church: One of the oldest churches in Vilnius.
- All Saints Church: A beautiful church with a long history.
- Gate of Dawn: This is a famous city gate with a chapel inside that holds a revered painting of the Virgin Mary.
- Three Crosses: A monument on a hill offering great views, symbolizing an old legend.
- Cathedral of the Theotokos: An important Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
Other Cool Places to Visit
Beyond palaces and churches, there are many other interesting spots in the Old Town.
- House of the Signatories: This is where Lithuania's Act of Independence was signed in 1918.
- National Museum of Lithuania: A great place to learn about Lithuania's history and culture.
- Lithuanian National Drama Theatre: A historic theater where you can watch plays.
- Fragments of the Vilnius city wall: You can still see parts of the old walls that once protected the city.
- Vilnius dungeons: Explore the underground passages and learn about the city's hidden history.
