Not every district of Vilnius, even those near the centre, can be called historic, but Antakalnis can claim this right.
It was formed in a narrow stretch between the Neris River to the west and the hills to the east, along the northern route to Nemenčinė, Švenčionys, Daugavpils, and St. Petersburg. The topography determined that, if it is not the largest, it is undoubtedly the most elongated historical suburb. According to historians, the name of Antakalnis is of Lithuanian origin and comes from the term ‘on that hill’ or ‘on the hill’. The art historian Vladas Drėma called Antakalnis the most beautiful suburb of Vilnius, and perhaps the nobility also thought the same, appreciating the location for its close proximity to both the city centre and nature. The most ornate architectural ensembles that have survived to this day date back to the end of the 17th century. Later historical epochs also left their mark in the form of the trolleybus park, an impressive cemetery, and the House of St. Faustina’s – a beloved favourite with pilgrims. Although today Antakalnis officially begins with the roundabout at Olandų Street, historically the beginning of the suburb was considered to be the bridge over the river Vilnia, and the end – the Grand Duke’s residence in Viršupis. However, it has not yet been possible to determine the exact spot where the Viršupis manor house was located during the reign of Sigismund Augustus. The northern part of Antakalnis had another name until the Second World War – Pośpieszka in Polish or ‘Skubutė’. Some say that this name is due to the famous roadside tavern that stood here, where guests came for a short time to break up their journey, while others say that it was due to the variety of fast-ripening potatoes brought by the Oginskis family.
What will you learn/see on the route?
- What is the purpose of the bunkers on Šilo Street?
- Where was the first Lithuanian art exhibition held?
- Where was Tauro Hill in Antakalnis?
- What’s special about a block of houses by the roundabout?
