Lithuania: A Little Gem On The Shores Of The Baltic
Lithuania is a small country, but this does not make it any less interesting. Its historical richness, its natural landscapes worthy of a postcard and its baroque architecture make it a place, without a doubt, that must be included in any list of destinations to visit. Get ready to travel and enjoy the most beautiful corners of Lithuania !
Trakai: the pride of Lithuania
In the 14th century Trakai became the capital of Lithuania. Located to the west of Vilnius, the current capital, it stands out for its beautiful castle. A castle with great symbolism, as it recalls the years of greatest expansion and splendor of this Baltic country.
Built on a tiny island in Lake Galvé, Trakai Castle is Gothic in style and stands out for its reddish colors. Throughout its first centuries of history it suffered attacks and harassment, it ended up becoming a ducal residence and was finally abandoned.
In 1961 its reconstruction began and it became a great tourist attraction. It is accessed by a wooden walkway. Although, for those who prefer to enjoy a somewhat more romantic ride, you can rent small boats to get to the island.
Once there, it is possible to contemplate the drawbridge of the fortress and visit some of the rooms of the castle. You can also climb the towers to contemplate all the beauty of the landscape that surrounds this magnificent construction and the island on which it stands.
Other attractions that the traveler will find in Trakai are the original and colorful “Karaite houses”, the ruins of the peninsular castle and a myriad of beautiful natural landscapes that will delight nature lovers.
Vilnius and its architectural beauty
Vilnius, which is the capital of Lithuania, has just 500,000 inhabitants and is still emerging as one of the most modern in Europe, due to the efficiency of its services. It has been claimed that it has the highest internet speed in the entire continent.
In addition, its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In it you have to visit the cathedral, the churches of Santa Ana, San Pedro and other nearby temples such as those of Santa Catalina and San Francisco.
One of the most emblematic places in the city is the Gediminas tower, which stands on a hill where you can see magical views of the city of Vilnius. The tower dates from the 13th century and can be seen from anywhere in the city.
To give a bohemian touch to your visit to Vilnius, it is worth visiting the Uzupis neighborhood. Its streets exude a hippie air, literary cafes abound, avant-garde art galleries, and artistic workshops on literature or painting are organized. This neighborhood even created its own constitution and was called “Republic of Uzupis” since April 1, 1997.
Kaunas, cradle of the oldest traditions in Lithuania
Kaunas is the city that best preserves the Lithuanian tradition, without neglecting the modernity that some of its spaces may present. It is the second largest city in the Baltic country after the capital and one of those with the largest number of inhabitants.
The center of Kaunas is divided between the Old City and the New City. You can visit various museums, restaurants, squares and shops that surround the center of this Lithuanian city. Do not miss the church of San Miguel, the castle and the peculiar museum dedicated to the figure of the Devil. It is also advisable to take the Zaliakalnis funicular to take in some fantastic views.
In summer, the city of Kaunas turns into art and you can enjoy fascinating cultural shows. What gets more prominence for these dates are musical events, from concerts, to exhibitions and seminars. In addition, you can attend various recreational activities in the parks scattered around the city.
