Are you looking to explore the history of Vilnius through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Vilnius including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Vilnius. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Vilnius ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Vilnius, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Vilnius for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Vilnius
Let's witness the history of Vilnius with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Vilnius Old Town
(529 Votes)
The very heart and essence of the city of Vilnius, the Old Town is one of the biggest existing townships dating back to the medieval era. The whole area has undergone continuous changes, what with various foreign invasions and influences from the rest of Europe pouring in through trade and intellectual channels. These changes can be seen in the various architectural styles of the city – G...Read more -
Vilnius Cathedral
(390 Votes)
The Vilnius Cathedral is one of the most significant religious icons for the Roman Catholic citizens of Vilnius and also for the general populate. It was particularly important during the medieval era, when the coronation of the Grand Dukes used to take place within the cathedral. It is also the burial place for eminent personalities of Lithuanian history, especially its rulers. Various artwork...Read more -
Three Crosses
(329 Votes)
One of the most recognizable monument and landmark of Vilnius, the Hill of Three Crosses is a must visit attraction on a tour of this Lithuanian city. The hill was previously known as Bleak Hill, and according to popular folklore, it was the site of beheadings of 7 Franciscan Friars who were spreading the word of the Gospel. Wooden crosses were initially erected at the spot, but they would...Read more -
Palace Of The Grand Dukes Of Lithuania
(251 Votes)
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania National Museum was a former palace that was built around the 15th century for the grand Dukes of Lithuania. Tragically the original structure was demolished in 1801 by the occupying Tsarist Russian forces. After liberation from Soviet rule, this magnificent building was rebuilt in 2002 to give Lithuanians and foreign visitors both a chance to relive t...Read more -
Presidential Palace
(125 Votes)
Dating back to the 14th century, the Presidential Palace is the official home of the President of Lithuania. Though constructed in the 14th century, the palace has undergone extensive renovations and extensions that have added to the grandeur of the structure. Originally serving as the Bishop’s palace, it has also served as the official Palace of Napoleon and Russian Tsar Alexander I, whe...Read more -
Paneriai Memorial Museum
(4 Votes)
The Memorial Museum of Paneriai is a grim reminder of the horrors of war, and the dangerous levels to which a man can fall when all sense of morality, right and wrong is lost. The memorial is built at a spot where almost 70,000 people were regularly killed by Gestapo (Nazi secret police), Schutzstaffel (SS) and the Vilnius Special Squad. These horrors were committed on the behest of the Nazi re...Read more -
Holocaust Exposition
(11 Votes)
A part of the Jewish museum in Vilnius, the Holocaust Exposition is an attraction that aims at detailing and providing information to visitors about Lithuania’s Jews, their culture and their history. A very touching aspect of the museum is where it covers the Holocaust period. A lot of information about Lithuanian Jews was lost during this period, and the tragedies and horrors they suffer...Read more -
Town Hall
(5 Votes)
The historical Town Hall or City Hall of Vilnius is a Neo-classical stylized building that was first built around the 15th century and has been repeatedly rebuilt over the various centuries. The last major reconstruction was done in 1799, when the Gothic elements of the building were replaced, and the building has since remained the same. The site plays a very pivotal role in hosting some of th...Read more -
Zemach Shabad Monument
(3 Votes)
The monument in Vilnius is a tribute to the much beloved Jewish doctor and activist Zemach Shabad, who was known for his charitable work and affable nature. The doctor treated poor children absolutely free of cost and was one of the founder leaders of the volkist movement. All of his contributions towards society were honored with a memorial monument, erected in 2007, that stands in Vilnius. Th...Read more -
Rasos Cemetery
(2 Votes)
Established in the year 1769, the Rasos Cemetery is one of the oldest and most well known cemeteries of Vilnius. The 27 acre burial ground is basically divided into 2 parts – the old and new cemetery. A number of famous personalities of Lithuania, Belarus and Poland are buried here, particularly a number of professors from the Vilnius University. Apart from these eminent scholars and arti...Read more -
Frank Zappa Memorial
(2 Votes)
Though the memorial may seem unusual and out of place in the city of Vilnius, to which the musician Frank Zappa had no connection whatsoever, there is a peculiar story behind this memorial’s construction. This statue symbolizes the free thinking and breaking of Soviet oppression of the Lithuanian people. It pays tribute to the legendary musician’s genius works and creativity. It sho...Read more -
Make a visit to Saint Anne’s Church and you will find this impressive statue standing in its vicinity. Polish Poet, dramatist, essayist, publicist, translator, professor of Slavic literature, and political activist and what not, Adam Mickiewicz was known for his exemplary artistic talent that got manifested in multiple forms. This statue attributes greatness to this legendary writer and a...Read more -
The House Of Signatories
(2 Votes)
Bespeaking of its political importance, the House of Signatories will seem to be a building of stature for you. And why not? It is the same place where the Act of Independence was signed on 16th February 1918 by a group of politicians and cultural figures. The building is thus of enormous value to Lithuania and will be of interest to those who want to know the political history of the place tha...Read more -
Basteja
(5 Votes)
A Renaissance-style fortification that sticks to its original self, Artillery Bastion proves to be a study in historical ways of defense mechanisms. Also called as “Barbican”, this tower is a part of city defense wall which must have once served its purpose of construction. Built in the first half of the 17th century by the German military engineer, Friedrich Getkant, today (quite i...Read more -
Antakalnis Cemetery
(3 Votes)
Sometimes the most beautiful of the avenues find place in poignant corners. Antakalnis cemetery perhaps stands true to this notion. One of the most beautiful cemeteries of Europe, it was built to house the graves of soldiers killed by the Soviet special forces on 13 January 1991. Picturesque, quaint and plaintive at the same time, this place makes you delve into the mortality of human life. The...Read more