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The so called Upper Castle, or Gediminas Castle, was built at the beginning of the 14th century on the site of an earlier wooden one. A century later it was rebuilt and strenghten-
ed. Along with the Lower Castle (now gone) and the defensive wall it formed a powerful defensive system. But slowly itlost its importance and after the damage caused in the war with Russia in 1655, it was left unrebuilt.
After the World War II the best surviving tower was restored. It now houses a museum and an observation platform.
The museum is open:
May - Sept 10.00 - 19.00 whole week
Oct - April Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 to 17.00.
Entrance fee 5Ltl for adults, pensioners and school children 2Ltl.
To the east of the tower are the ruins of the ducal palace.
Updated Aug 9, 2011
Address: Arsenalo st. 5
Phone: +370 (5) 261 7453
When visiting Vilnius, order a hot air balloon flight and you will see totally different view of the old town. Vilnius is extremely nice from above!
They say, Vilnius is one of just few capitals in Europe, where you may fly by hot air balloon. And this is probably true.
Sightseeing Vilnius from a hot air balloon is one of the top things to do in Lithuania.
Written Dec 17, 2010
Address: Upës str. 5, Vilnius
Phone: +370 652 00510
Website: www.ballooning.lt
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The funicular is 71m long and will take you 40m high. The angle is said to be 36 degrees.
Opening hours 10.00 - 19.00 all year round.
Tickets:
- up and down adults 3Ltl, pensioners and school children 2Ltl
- up OR down adults 2 Ltl, pensioners and school children 1Ltl
The costs of August 2010.
Updated Sep 10, 2010
Address: Arsenalo st. 5
Phone: +370 (5) 212 0017
The Gediminas' Tower is an important historic symbol of the city of Vilnius and of Lithuania. It is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle. The first wooden fortifications were built by Gediminas - the Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Written Jun 26, 2009
Address: Arsenalo st. 5
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Gediminas Tower has become one of the symbols of Vilnius. The tower is one of the best preserved parts of the Upper Castle complex and is open to visitors, having been restored in the 20th century. The interior of the tower now houses a museum.
The tower had previously been reconstructed in the 19th century, to function as a telegraph station between St. Petersburg, Vilnius and Warsaw.
Written Feb 27, 2009
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There is historic evidence of a castle being located at the top of Gediminas Hill since the early 14th century. The original castle was made of wood and there is uncertaintainty around when exactly the stone castle was built. Originally the castle was built to protect the city of Vilnius from invaders and gave a great vantage point ove the city and surrounding countryside.
Over the centuries the city of Vilnius was attacked five times but the castle was never successfully taken. It was only in the 17th century, during the war with Moscow, did the castle finally succumb to foreign invasion when it was nearly completely destroyed. Recently, parts of the castle have been restored, but access to the interior of the castle is still not possible for visitors.
Written Feb 27, 2009
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A fairly easy walk (assuming you're wearing good walking shoes) up Gedeminas Hill allows for wonderful views of Vilnius. The orange-red roofs of old town spread out below, while taller modern buildings can be seen in the distance, a reminder that Vilnius is both a historical site and modern, living city.
At the top of the hill stands the remains of the Upper Castle, built in the 15th century. Inside the tower is a museum detailing some of the city's history. Climb to the top of the tower for even better views of the city below.
For a change of pace, take the funicular down to the bottom of the hill when you're ready to leave. It's a fun ride, and quick!
Written Mar 2, 2008
Address: Arsenalo st. 5
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The first timber castle was built on Castle Mount by Grand Duke Gediminas around 1320. It was replaced by a brick one in the second half of the 14th century, which had to be re-built by Grand Duke Vytautas after a fire in 1419.
The castle served the Polish kings as a bell foundry and a jail and, later, as King Sigismund August's library. In 1655 it was conquered by the Muscovites, which was the start of its gradual decline. The only remaining part of it at present is just one tower which houses the Museum of the Castle. From its top you can admire the panorama of Vilnius.
Unfortunately, we could only see the castle from below. There were no signposts to the funicular and it was getting too late for us to attempt a walk. The pictures of the panorama of the town were taken by my friend on her stay in Vilnius. Thanks, Basia.
Photos: Barbara Godlewska
Updated Jan 10, 2008
Address: Arsenalo st. 5
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The original Gedimino Tower was part of the former castle and fortress dating from the 13th century.
After a great fire in the 15th century and destruction during the Russian occupation, the tower was greatly restored in 1930. It houses the Upper Castle Museum and can be climbed for panoramic views of Vilnius.
Directions:
The Gedimio Tower is one of the main landmarks of Vilnius. It is situated on top of the 48 m high Castle Hill, just behind the Cathedral Square.
Address:
Gedimino Tower, Gediminas Hill, Vilnius
Updated Jul 22, 2007
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They started to rebuilt the palace a couple of years ago and it´s far from being finished. One has to wait and see what it´s going to be like. It should be finished in 2009 for the 1000 years jubilee of Lithuania.
Originally built in the 13th century the Royal Palace of the Lower Castle was a center of administration and was famous for its library. In the 17th century the first opera was performed here.
Updated Jun 24, 2007
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Arsenalo st. 5
Gediminas castle tips and photos posted by real travelers and Vilnius locals.
Write a ReviewThey started to rebuilt the palace a couple of years ago and it´s far from being finished. One has to wait and see what it´s going to be like. It should be...
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1
Very friendly, very historical and inexpensive :-)
I found Vilnius unique city of fascinating past and great future, I am sure, now; city full of hundreds places to discover (believe or not I didn't touch even half!). City of great multicultural,...
2
I already had the idea of visiting Vilnius on my first trip through the Baltics in July 2002, but cancelled the Lithuania part as I was busy enough with Estonia and Latvia at that time. In August...
3
Mix of cultures - it is nice to say about Vilnius like about cosmopolitan city in mostly all history of this town. Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Jewish and other cultural influences shaped this......
4
I had great expectations for Vilnius before going there; usually it's a bit underrated compared to Tallinn and Riga, so I expected to find there less tourists, and in fact it was great to go around......
5
Vilnius - my grandparents' love
I have been thinking of visiting Vilnius for a long time. I remember my grandparents speaking of it with love: my grandmother had spent a lot of time there as a child. Having lost her father at the......
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