Rome, Venice, Mexico City, Machu Picchu, Marrakech, Kraków, Riga … and Vilnius! Like Vilnius, some of the world’s most famous historic cities and sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2000, Vilnius became a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities.
In 2023, we celebrate the 700th anniversary of Vilnius.
Why does Vilnius deserve to be considered part of the World Heritage? Where does the city’s Outstanding Universal Value lie, and what are the elements that make up this value? You will discover the answers during our virtual walks.
We offer seven educational routes designed for older students and anyone who would like to discover the history of the city from a new perspective.
The Origins of Vilnius (8)
Do you know why we are celebrating the 700th anniversary of Vilnius in 2023? How does a city come into being, and where is its birthplace? How many castles did Vilnius have, and where did the oldest castle stand? And where can you see the remains of the castles’ defensive walls and towers?
You will discover all this during Route 1.
The City Defensive Wall (17)
On this route, you can explore the historic route of the city’s defensive wall, including the surviving and lost sections of the wall and its gates. The appearance of the gates that no longer survive can be imagined from the accompanying 1785 drawings by P. Smuglevičius.
Architectural Styles of Vilnius (20)
Would you like to learn more about the architectural monuments of Vilnius? How can you distinguish Gothic, Baroque and Classicism? What interesting buildings and architectural details can be found in Vilnius Old Town?
Famous People (12)
Who was the first person to start printing books in Vilnius? Who designed Vilnius Cathedral and the Town Hall? Where can you find the monument to Dr. Jonas Basanavičius?
On this route, you will learn about the contributions of prominent Vilnius residents to art, science and politics.
Craft Workshops (12)
Would you like to make your own clay pot on a potter’s wheel, try your hand at weaving on a loom, or discover the meticulous work of a jeweller? During this educational walk, you will explore a variety of traditional crafts in Vilnius.
Places of Worship of Different Faiths (7)
The towers and domes of Vilnius churches rise above the city skyline, creating the unique views of Vilnius. Do you know which faiths built the various places of worship, how they differ, and what they have in common? Where did Lithuanians and other Catholics live in historic Vilnius, where did Ruthenians (Orthodox Christians) live, and where did Jews, Tatars and Karaites live?
Municipal Government and the Town Hall (6)
During this route, you will learn what municipal government is, what the Town Hall is used for, what the governing body of Vilnius was called in the past, and where other municipal government buildings once stood.