Baltic Links: A Close-Up Look at Vilnius, Lithuania

By Merrie L. Murray

Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, is showing signs of EU funds hard at work. A new energy has taken hold as both places strengthen their infrastructure, renovate and rebuild themselves with an eye toward attracting more tourism dollars. To reward their efforts, the EU designated Vilnius as a European Cultural Capital for 2009.
Once part of the ancient Amber Route that carried “Baltic Gold” to Rome, Vilnius claims a long and tumultuous history. From 1569 to 1795 it was annexed to the Grand Duchy that extended from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Trade was key and the area flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries. To fuel growing interest in tourism in the region, the Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC) hosted a whirlwind journey to Vilnius.

Vilnius, City of Churches
UNESCO designated the entire city of Vilnius a World Heritage Site in 1994. The Neris River winds through the city and even that will be revitalized and developed in the coming years.
Vilnius is a short plane ride from 27 European cities. Discerning travelers will discover that although still in transition, significant changes are taking place now and will continue for the next two to three years as Vilnius prepares for its 2009 Millennium Celebration.
Located approximately 200 miles inland from the Baltic Sea, Vilnius is set in a pine forest at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia Rivers in southeast Lithuania. The city grew between the 13th and the 18th centuries as its buildings testify – in Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture – the last style being de rigueur in Europe at the time. Although the Old Town sustained major damage during World War ll and the Soviet occupation, many important monuments survived, making it one of the largest and most authentic Old Towns in Eastern Europe with 50 churches, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, and no fewer than 1,500 buildings deemed historically significant by UNESCO. Originally built as a Catholic Church in the 13th century, the “Cathedra Basilica” is now resplendent in the French- classicist style of the 18th century. During Soviet times, the Cathedral served as an art gallery and was not harmed. A 21st century castle is under construction on Cathedral Square.
Nearby is St. Anne’s Church, an example of Lithuanian red brick Gothic architecture made with 33 different kinds of bricks. Behind St. Anne’s is St. Bernardino’s Church, still in disrepair, but favored by the younger generation for weddings as a reminder of the city’s past. A monastery rounds out this historic complex. Near the 16th century Gates of Dawn, pilgrims climb the stairs of the early Baroque St. Theresa’s Church and kneel as they wait to enter a small chapel inside the ancient gate.
An easy stroll away is Vilnius University, founded in 1579. A mixture of many architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical, it consists of 12 buildings and 12 courtyards best illustrated in an aerial photograph. St. John’s Church and bell tower grace the Grand Courtyard while small street cafes surround the area.
Do not miss the National Museum, the Amber Museum- Gallery and KGB Museum, among others. In the evening, visitors can attend the opera, a concert or sample the city’s nightlife. A bohemian side of the city can be found in Uzupis along the Vilnia River. With its historic significance and architectural variety, Vilnius will pursue cultural tourism and international conferences. Visit www.tourism.vilnius.lt

Accommodations
Lodging runs the gamut from small guest houses to five star properties with more sure to come. Jax Fax stayed at the 134-room Holiday Inn Vilnius (www.holidayinnvilnius.lt) north of the Neris River within walking distance of the Old Town. A modern property, it features full buffet breakfast, concierge floor, and a mini-gym. Rack rates range from $215-$280, double.
Other options include Stikliai Hotel Relais & Chateaux (www.stikliaihotel.lt); Radisson SAS Astorija (www.radissonsas.com); Ramada Vilnius (www.ramadavilnius.lt); and the Kempinski Hotel Vilnius is expected to open in mid-2008 (www.kempinski.com)

Getting There
SAS flies to Vilnius, Lithuania via Copenhagen daily from four U.S. gateways including Newark, Chicago, Seattle and Washington Dulles. (800-221-2350; www.flysas.com). LOT Polish Airlines (www.lot.com), Finnair (www.finnair.com), Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com) also connect to Vilnius from the U.S. via their hubs.

For further information, call Thomas Mielke, Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC), Bräckegatan 1, S-16261 Vällingby, Sweden; 011-46 708 123 580; E-mail thomas@balticsea.com; www.balticsea.com