Vilnius University, Vilnius

Vilnius University is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the Baltic region. It was founded in 1579 by Grand Duke Stephen Bathory, originally as the Jesuit Academy of Vilnius. Since then, it has remained a cornerstone of Lithuania鈥檚 academic and cultural life.

Throughout history, the university has mirrored the fortunes of the nation. It was closed during wars and occupations, including the Polish鈥揜ussian War of 1830鈥�1831 and both World Wars, but reopened each time as a renewed symbol of resilience. After Lithuania regained independence in 1990, Vilnius University reclaimed its status as a leading center of learning and research.

The architectural ensemble of Vilnius University is remarkable, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. The complex includes 13 courtyards, each with unique character and history. The Grand Courtyard, with its arcades and memorial plaques, honors the university鈥檚 founders and scholars.

The university library, founded in 1570, is one of the oldest and most valuable in Eastern Europe. It houses more than five million items, including one of only two surviving copies of the first Lithuanian book, the Catechism of Martynas Ma啪vydas, printed in K枚nigsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia) in 1547.

Within the university complex stands St. John鈥檚 Church, a magnificent Baroque building rebuilt in 1749. Visitors can climb its 193 wooden steps, or take the elevator, to enjoy breathtaking views of Vilnius Old Town.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vilnius. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Vilnius University
Sight Location: Vilnius, Lithuania (See walking tours in Vilnius)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Vilnius, Lithuania

Create Your Own Walk in Vilnius

Creating your own self-guided walk in Vilnius is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

U啪upis District Walking Tour

A tiny isolated area and a former suburb, which now forms part of the Old Town of Vilnius, the Uzupis district is often compared, for its bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere, to Montmartre of Paris and Freetown Christiania of Copenhagen. Similarly to the latter, in 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic; the tongue-in-cheek constitution of the self-proclaimed 鈥渞epublic鈥�,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles

Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour

Legend has it that Grand Duke Gediminas dreamed of an iron wolf howling on a hill, inspiring him to found a city that would grow into today鈥檚 Vilnius. Centuries later, in 1812, when Napoleon passed through Vilnius during his Russian campaign, he reportedly described the city as 鈥渁 pearl of the north, full of charm and surprises.鈥�

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of Eastern... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

Historical Churches Tour

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts a wealth of gorgeous churches featuring diverse architectural styles 鈥� Gothic, Baroque, to mention but a few. Many of the local churches are historical, having witnessed centuries of events and become iconic landmarks of the Lithuanian capital.

One of the most famous temples in Vilnius... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles

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