Vilnius Town Hall — Attraction in Vilnius

The Vilnius Town Hall (Vilniaus rotušė) is a spectacular piece of architecture and a central fixture of the Vilnius Old Town. ​🏛️ Architecture and History ​The Town Hall has been the administrative, commercial, and social heart of Vilnius since the city received Magdeburg Rights in 1387. ​Early History: The first Town Hall, mentioned in 1432, was a Gothic structure with a tower, built on the site of the present-day building. ​Classicist Masterpiece: The current appearance is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, designed by the famous Lithuanian architect Laurynas Gucevičius and completed in 1799. Gucevičius replaced the damaged Gothic building with a design based on the Greek and Roman temple concept—a bold and innovative approach for a municipal building in the 18th century. It features a simple, square volume with an imposing six-column portico. ​The Collapsed Tower: The current building notably lacks a tower. The Town Hall had a tower in its earlier Gothic and Baroque forms, but after suffering damage and later leaning severely, an attempt to reinforce the foundations by Gucevičius failed, causing the structure to collapse in 1781, leading to his comprehensive redesign of the entire building. ​Changing Roles: After the Vilnius Magistrate was abolished in 1844, the building served as the City Theatre (staging Vilnius' first opera) until 1924, and later as the Lithuanian Art Museum for over fifty years during the Soviet era. It resumed its role as the Vilnius Town Hall in 1999. ​🌟 Today's Use ​Today, the Vilnius Town Hall serves as a key representative building for the city. It is used for: ​Official Ceremonies: Receptions of foreign state officials (like Queen Elizabeth II and George W. Bush), Vilnius City Council meetings, and award presentations. ​Cultural Events: It is a vibrant venue for concerts, art exhibitions, conferences, and charity fairs. Visitors can sometimes take tours of the building and its preserved Gothic cellars. ​The surrounding Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė) remains the city's main square, hosting major annual events, including the famous Kaziukas Fair and the main Christmas...

Lovely quiet place for a city centre - one of the best I have visited so far.

Old Town Vilnius is a treasure trove of history and culture. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval old towns in Northern Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through its winding cobblestone streets, you can see the traces of different eras and influences, from Gothic to Baroque, from Polish to Russian. You can also admire the stunning churches, the majestic castle, and the impressive university that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the struggles and triumphs of the Lithuanian people, and the birth of a modern nation.

Old Town Vilnius is not only a place of the past, but also a place of the present. It is full of life and energy, with cafes, restaurants, shops, and galleries that cater to every taste and interest. You can enjoy the local cuisine, the amber jewelry, the linen products, and the vibrant art scene. You can also experience the festivals, the concerts, the markets, and the nightlife that make Old Town Vilnius a lively and dynamic place.

Old Town Vilnius is a place where you can feel the spirit of Lithuania and its capital. It is a place where you can discover its rich and diverse history and culture, and enjoy its...

From the mysteries of Vilnius. When we hear the word "town hall" - rotuša, we imagine serious people who run the city. Yes, this and the earlier buildings on this site were for such people. The modern building was rebuilt in a classical style. But it has not lost its representative functions. Many official visits, celebrations, concerts and awards are held here. I worked at the official reception of the Embassy of India. In addition to the official part, we touched upon the traditions and culture of this beautiful country. And the chefs of the wonderful Indian restaurant "Masalaciti" from Kaunas treated us to delicious Indian dishes. Namaste🙏 Exhibitions, concerts and balls are held here. This is what the Vilnius Town...