Vilnius

The Baltic Way
On the 23rd Aug 1989 a few people joined hands to protest at the occupation of the Baltic states by Russia. Cathedral Square in Vilnius was a start/ending point. The human chain linked Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn over a distance of 370 miles, with two million people linking hands. Within 6 months of this the Baltic states started to declare their independence.

I’ve visited Tallinn and Riga, and I hate to say it - but Vilnius isn’t as pretty. It has plenty of interesting buildings, but it doesn’t have the history I guess.

The main city square has the Cathedral next to it, which is deliciously cool on a warm day. Interestingly the Cathedral has a bell tower, but it’s not connected to the main building. It stands alone and proud on the square. I’d guess that there are some good views to be had from the top, but it seems to be locked up.

Vilnius does have a curious secret, and that is within it’s environs lies an independent nation - Užupis, which has unilaterally declared independence and has it’s own constitution. Although I collect countries, I don’t think I can count it!

I did get a telling off by a local while in Vilnius. I popped into a church while there was a service taking place, not wishing to disturb anyone I sat down at the back and waited for the service to finished. While I did this an entire tour group came in, wandered around the church took photos and then left. At the end of the service a baboushka came up and slapped me on the shoulder as I was sitting with my legs crossed! Oh well!

Photos