Both together and separately – this is how we could describe the relationship between Naujoji Vilnia and Vilnius. Although now it is officially an inseparable part of the capital of Lithuania, not so long ago Naujoji Vilnia was an independent town with huge ambitions.
In ancient times, the area along the River Vilnia, populated and dotted with mills, was called Rokantiškės. The biggest impetus for development came later, in the second half of the 19th century, with the construction of the imperial Petersburg-Warsaw and Liepaja-Romny railways. Having received the fresh name of Novovileisk, the settlement immediately became a major transport hub, which was discovered even by foreign capitalists, who rushed to build a wide range of industrial enterprises: metal foundries, sewing factories, linen fabrics, nails, scythes, yeast, tanneries, timber sawmills, and windmills. After rapid growth, in 1903 the then Novovileisko settlement was separated from the Mickūnai municipality and… became a separate town! However, the industrial town did not enjoy self-government for long – after many attempts to define the status of Naujoji Vilnia, it finally became part of Vilnius in 1957. Although it is just one of the many administrative districts of the capital, its history and character are extraordinary, as you will find out when you explore the most interesting objects of the neighbourhood, which have been plentiful throughout the ages.
What you’ll learn/see on the route:
- What makes the crosses of the old cemetery in Naujoji Vilnia special?
- The shape of what symbol was used to build the Naujoji Vilnia Psychiatric Hospital?
- How many bridges over the River Vilnia are there in the district?
