Be sure to time your trip for the annual Kaziukas Festival that brings the city to life. Artists line up along the street to sell you their wares and the place becomes a buzzing marketplace. Watch artists at work or pick up a handmade product or two - either way, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any tourist to interact with the people of Lithuania and celebrate their culture and understand their craftsmanship.

King Mindaugas had the wooden cathedral constructed at the base of the Gediminas hill in 1251 after he converted to Christianity. When the rest of Lithuania also converted to Christianity a cathedral in the Gothic style was constructed. The newer cathedral of 1387 became a prized venue for coronation ceremonies and funeral services for the Grand Dukes. The cathedral has survived many a war and has been restored by each generation, making it a grand testimony to the faith of the people of Lithuania. Travellers even today have the opportunity to visit this great site.

The bell tower of the cathedral is legendary. While the original bell tower was destroyed, a new one was erected in its place in 1801 and this is the tower we see today. At 57 metres high, this bell tower has become something of a landmark in the Old Town of Vilnius.

With over 1200 breathtaking buildings, the city of Vilnius lends itself to flights of imagination! Often called a living museum, Vilnius is one of the finest examples of medieval town planning in Middle and Eastern Europe. The labyrinth of streets winding through the scenic setting of hilly slopes is intriguing to the first time visitor.

For the spiritually inclined, the many places of worship are a great retreat. The faithful can pick from grand synagogues, serene monasteries and spectacular churches.

Unusual Shopping

Old Town's other oft-explored treasures are the alleyways that are home to little shops selling all kinds of wares local to Lithuania. You can pick up a souvenir or two and invest in some fine workmanship by the local craftsmen at the many handicraft stores.

The lifeline of the city and the centre of action is the famous Pilies Street in the Old Town. Any time of year you're sure to find something of interest on this street. Whether it is shopping for bargains or great souvenirs or whether it is just getting a flavour of life as a local, this is the place to be!

Don't be fooled by the length of Pilies Street. While it may not run the length of the city this scenic road does connect all that's important in the Old Town. So if you're new to the city, all you really need to do is wander the length of Pilies Street from Cathedral Square right down to the Town Hall Square. Most celebrations of the townspeople happen at one of the squares on the route and it isn't uncommon to spot festive celebrations along the way as processions wind their way through the street. Whether it is an organised town celebration or just a group of revellers being spontaneous, the destination of choice for everyone in Vilnius is Pilies Street. If you're unsure of whether there are any festivities on during your stay, the easiest way to find out is to head there and find out for yourself!

28 kilometres from Vilnius is the idyllic setting of Trakai, a delightful little town and lake resort. The town is a great getaway from the bustling city of Vilnius and makes a pleasant change from the monument hopping you do there. At Trakai you'll have the opportunity to lie back, relax and truly unwind.

To soak up some history, head to the 600-year-old castle on the lake or just amble about the trails near the five lakes in the area. The castle itself is one of Lithuania's busiest architectural monuments and definitely worth a look.

Trakai was once the administrative capital of Lithuania, but today takes pride in being home to gatherings of a different kind. Festivals, concerts and music are central to life in the area and you'll do well to time your trip around an event.

The city of Vilnius is also home to Eastern Europe's oldest university. This 400-year-old centre of learning has been around since 1579 when it first opened its portals to scholars of the arts and sciences. Located in the Old Town, the university is a sight to behold, with its sweeping archways, carved edifice and relaxed open spaces. The library housed in the complex has a collection of rare manuscripts and books dating back to the 13th century.

The 13th century Gothic style Gediminas castle in the centre of Vilnius has a past that is tied closely to the history of the city itself. A must-see section is the exhibit on the life and times of Lithuania. Before leaving the grounds visitors usually also head up to the top of the tower, where you can catch a dazzling view of the Old Town.

The Hill of Three Crosses is at once a monument of hope and mourning. This site (legend has it) was the spot where several Franciscan monks met their end by crucifixion and being drowned in the river. Crosses (dating back to the 17th century) have been erected on this hill to honour their martyrdom.

Ausros Vartai or the Gate of Dawn was once called the Medininkai gate and marked the southern entry point into Vilnius along the trading routes from Moscow and Minsk. Today this gate, built in 1522, is a three-storeyed building in the Renaissance style and stands at the entrance to the Old Town.

Europe has a number of geographic centres and one of them is near Vilnius. As per data based on gravitation centre calculations from the National Geographic Institute of France, this point is precisely 26 km from Vilnius.

Treasure Trove of Art

This location is home to Europos Parkas which along with being a beautifully landscaped park is also a treasure trove of art. Visitors can wander through the open air displays of more than a 100 pieces of art by artists from 31 nations around the globe. Interestingly, the park holds a Guinness Record for having the largest work of art based on TV sets!