The historic centre of Vilnius is the cradle of the entire state of Lithuania and a location which is especially significant in the history not only of Lithuania but also of a broad expanse of Eastern Europe, in terms of its political influence, rich architecture, works of art, and the many cultural and scientific ideas that took shape here.
This 352-hectare area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, thus recognising its exceptional universal value. The historic centre of Vilnius is a wonderful example of a city that developed organically over the course of more than five centuries. Here one can still find the radial street layout characteristic of the Middle Ages and a wide variety of architecturally valuable buildings, damaged only in certain places by wars and occupations. A portion of the buildings have managed to keep several cultural layers; as styles came and went, such buildings were rebuilt, so a present-day observer can see an architectural mosaic unfold in some buildings.
It is important that the city has long been known for its openness to other cultures. The houses of worship of different religious confessions we see today remind us of that. At the beginning of the 14th century, when Vilnius was first mentioned in written sources, Grand Duke Gediminas wrote letters inviting members of various professions to come to the capital of Lithuania and thus opened wide the door to different cultures. More than a few peoples have made significant contributions to the growth of Vilnius, including Jews, Ruthenians, Poles, Tatars, and others.
And so we invite you to set off on a journey through the streets and alleys that call to mind the Middle Ages. In the nomination file for the historic centre of Vilnius that was submitted to the World Heritage Committee, six main architectural ensembles were identified; you will visit all of them (and more!) when you follow the suggested route. Magnificent architecture and the subtly intertwining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures will tell you the multicultural stories of the city.
