Vivacious Vilnius

The journey cut by an hour as we crossed a time zone was a pleasant surprise but also had us rushing for our connecting train.

Arriving in Vilnius to rain and a strong breeze after the sunshine of Poland didn’t detract from the lovely atmosphere we both felt as we made our way to our accommodation. 

A room with a view, the first in over four weeks was lovely and as the clouds broke and a little blue sky emerged we headed out for food.

A whole day to explore Vilnius followed and we were not disappointed.  Quaint doesn’t sort of fit, spectacular but charming and yet humble but proud is the sense you get as the cobbled streets play havoc with your ankles and soles of your feet. 

The red roof tops combined with the many churches tell the story of a place full of history and welcoming to all. 

Vilnius was once regarded as the Jerusalem of the north, with almost 50% of the population Jewish; that changed with the advent of World War 2, when almost 95% of the Jewish population were murdered during the holocaust.

Over the years, Lithuania has been invaded and ruled by several countries including Poland, Germany and Russia.  Lithuania was finally recognised as an independent state by the Soviet Union in 1991.

Since then, it has set out to renovate many of its historical buildings, with information plaques throughout the city.

In 1994, Vilnius was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2009, Vilnius was European Capital of Culture.  Vilnius is a welcoming, picturesque city, with a great atmosphere and plenty to offer any tourist.