Vilnius has been attacked and defended many times, fought many battles, marched by its own army and foreign armies. Famous military leaders have been saluted here, and soldiers killed in battle have been buried here. The city is inseparable from the most important facts of the history of the Lithuanian army.
The route starts with the 16th century defensive walls of Vilnius, which commemorate the old statehood of Lithuania – the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and ends with the late 20th century barricades built by the defenders of our freedom and volunteers in defence of the Parliament, the city and the restored independence of the country. As you walk through the streets of the Old Town and the New Town, you will see historical buildings, memorial signs, monuments and places associated with events or personalities from Vilnius’ military past. All of this covers a period of more than 700 years, and the objects commemorating this period are not arranged in chronological order. You will be able to see them and remember the Lithuanian nobles, rebels, guardsmen, volunteers, explorers and partisans, men and women who defended freedom. You will also see the humble place where the armed forces of the restored state took their first steps more than 100 years ago, and where in the 21st century they have grown to become the armed forces of a NATO country.
The route is easy and convenient, with some of the sites located in places in the city that are often seen but not always noticed. Incidentally, you can also reverse the route by starting at the end.
Organiser of the route: the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania.
Partnership: Faculty of History, Vilnius University.
Photos: Karolis Kavolėlis.