Romantic Vilnius

A great reminder of Lithuania’s ancient past, the palace tells the story of the country’s growth and emergence. It offers a special treat for all romantics – a charming place for walks and relaxation in a restored Renaissance garden founded in the 16th century by Bona Sforca, the Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania. A few hundred years ago, the garden probably served as a backdrop to the Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund II Augustus confessions of love to his wife Barbara Radziwiłł.

Today, the garden still serves as a refuge for lovers in the heart of the city. Myrtles, oranges, and paradise apples bloom here, creating a Mediterranean atmosphere.

One of the city’s most recognisable symbols visible from afar serves as a reminder of the romantic legend of Vilnius. This was the hill where the Iron Wolf appeared to Gediminas, the first Grand Duke of Lithuania, in a dream. Thus began the story of Vilnius in the 14th century. Although only the remains of the Upper Castle still exist. the restored tower is an integral part of the city. Gediminas’ Hill and Tower offer impressive panoramas of the Old Town -the redroofs of Vilnius, the church towers and the narrow streets look stunning.

Created in 1469, the garden is still open in the heart of the Old Town and remains a favourite place for a romantic stroll. The Vilnia River flowing by is soothing and it’s lovely to simply sit down on a nearby bench and listen to it over a game of checi<ers. The musical fountain in the centre of the par!< spreads its songs throughout the green space. The Vilnia River Valley was once a sacred grove, and the Old Town’s oldest oai< tree is still growing in the park.

“Everyone has the right to love,” reads the constitution of the self-proclaimed independent republic of Uzupis, which is translated into more than 25 languages. Surprises await at every turn in this bohemian district: art installations, murals, and spectacular panoramic views of the Old Town. Lovers often leave a love loci< on the Uzupis Bridge, while the mermaid right by the bridge tempts all travellers to fall in love with the area and stay there forever.

Adam Mickiewicz, the famous Lithuanian and Polish poet, lived on this street at the beginning of the 19th century, when it was populated with printing houses and bookstores. Today, the walls along the street are famous for over 200 pieces of art dedicated to Lithuanian and foreign authors. It’s a truly unconventional open-air gallery where the love of literature is manifested in the form of creative tiles.

This church tower is one of the most beautiful places to get a bird’s-eye view of the roofs of Vilnius Old Town. Built in the 17th century, the Bell Tower of St. Johns’ Church has 193 authentic wooden steps (or a modern lift) that take you up to the 45-metre high observation platform. The tallest building in the Old Town offers spectacular views of the stunning St. Anne’s Church, Gediminas’ Tower. and the oldest street in the city – Pilies Street.

Watching the fountains at K. Sirvydas Square while sitting on a special bench and listening to the polonaises of composer Michal Kleofas Oginski’s make for a very special atmosphere. Just one press of a button and romantic music flows out of the bench. The multimedia sculpture-bench. created in honour of the 250th anniversary of Oginski’s birth, allows passersby to admire the composer’s work and learn more about the life of this dynamic personality.

The cosy little Old Town street is the city’s oldest shopping area and home to unique boutiques selling Lithuanian designs. crafts galleries and the renowned Stikliai Hotel. Cafe Augustas and Barbara is a special place to get some coffee while remembering the famous love story between the Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund II Augustus and Barbara Radziwiłł.

When walking along Vokieci4 Street. tum into the small alley next to Restaurant La Provence and you’ll soon find yourself in a small courtyard that leads to an arched tunnel between two buildings known as the Love Arch. Take the person you love by the hand and walk together. The arch is really small. so you might need to bend over a bit to avoid hitting your head. Look for approval from the little wooden angel hidden in a niche in the wall. That’s it – the love spell has been cast.

This is the ideal place to meet for a date. Gitenis Umbrasas, the sculptor behind the Apple Tile placed in S. Moniuska Square, depicted the apple and the heart – symbols that recount the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The tile serves as an invitation to remember love and take note of the little wonders in everyday life.

What deeds are done for love? Perhaps eating a shoe as Romain Gary, the famous author of the autobiographical novel Promise at Dawn, suggests. The writer was born in Vilnius and spent his childhood here, but this statue is more than just a memory of the writer. It tells the story of a pure feeling – first love – and all the impossible things that it makes possible.

This is definitely one of the most romantic and cinematographic places in Vilnius. with a marvellous panoramic view of the Old Town. Church towers, red roofs, Gediminas· Tower, the flowing Vilnele River – it’s a perfect place to sit on a bench with a cup of coffee and admire a different view of the city. Walking trails and streets lead to Uiupis. the Old Town and the Vilnius Defensive Wall.

The highest and most impressive exposure in Lithuania offers unforgettable views of Pavilniai Regional Park Protected as a natural monument, the exposure can be a great start to a hike along the cognitive trail with the sundial, the ruins of a cannon foundry and Belmontas Park along the way. For a 19th century romantic atmosphere. walking down to the Belmontas Water­ falls. old mill building and ponds are a must.

Located a little further away from the city centre. the Vilnius University Botanical Garden attracts visitors with impressive blossoms. Rhododendrons. lilies. peonies. and roses – the aro­ mas and colours are so dizzying you might need to sit on one of the 132 benches. It’s an oasis of fresh air and tranquillity. and a great place to escape the world and enjoy the ever-chang­ ing natural surrounding while walking the well-groomed garden paths or listening to open-air concerts in the summer