🇱🇹 Vilnius is perfect for a citywalk | Detailed route

Flew to Lithuania's capital Vilnius for the weekend. I didn't have high expectations at first, but after three days of exploring, I realized this UNESCO World Heritage city truly has extraordinary charm. It's ideal for anyone who loves citywalks, diverse architectural styles, and browsing 文创手工艺小店 (cultural and creative handicraft stores) – a great weekend getaway. This post shares the citywalk route (P2) and attractions; the next one will cover food and shopping tips. P3: The Gate of Dawn, built in the Middle Ages, stands at the southern end of the Old Town. It's the only one remaining among the original nine gates. The chapel above the gate enshrines the Black Madonna icon, and you can see many devout believers praying in front of it. P4-5: Lithuania is home to many Russian Orthodox believers. The pink Baroque Church of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important Orthodox churches ☦️. Its interior features ornate yet solemn Rococo decor, and most notices are in Russian rather than Lithuanian. P6: Continuing along the route, you'll spot another even more stunning pink Baroque church – the Church of St. Casimir, which is Catholic ✝️, unlike the previous one. P7: Just nearby is Vilnius Town Hall. On a side note, Lithuania truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most anti-Russian places. Ukrainian flags are far more common here than in Western Europe, and it feels like they prefer flying NATO flags over EU ones. P8: Stumbled upon an unplanned church along the way – dilapidated yet exuding a unique sense of mystery. P9: "Užupis" is a quirky district in Vilnius. Founded by artists, it has its own flag, constitution, and entry stamp. Though it claims to be a country, it’s more like an artists' community. P10: The Constitution Wall displays "Užupis' Constitution" in various languages. My favorite article is Article 13: "A cat is not obliged to love its master, but must help him in time of need." P11: Fun artworks are everywhere, and there are plenty of shops along the way – great for fans of handicraft stores. P12-13: The Church of St. Anne, famously praised by Napoleon as "so beautiful it’s worth taking home," is a classic Gothic church, but it’s adjacent to a Baroque building next door, creating a fascinating mix. P15-16: The Cathedral Basilica and the Grand Duke’s Palace lie north of the Old Town. The palace has been converted into a museum; the ticket is cheap but there’s not much to see. What’s interesting is the preserved original foundation ruins and a nice viewing platform offering panoramic views of the old city. P17: Behind the Grand Duke’s Palace, on a hillside, stands Gediminas Tower – the only remaining part of Vilnius Castle. Now a national symbol, it carries strong nationalist overtones. P18: Two more photo spots (exterior only) – above is the interesting statue of three women outside the National Theatre; below is the Presidential Palace. #Lithuania #Vilnius #EuropeTravelRecommendations #WorldHeritage #EuropeTravel #EuropeTravelGuide #OffTheBeatenPathCities #CityWalk #Schengen