Visit Vilnius on Google Arts & Culture

Today, on the occasion of Google's 10-year office anniversary in the Baltics, the city of Vilnius is proud to unveil Visit Vilnius on Google Arts & Culture.

Lithuania's capital offers a truly unique blend of old and new, where traditions blend with innovations and modern touches, with a combination of medieval beauty, lush nature, and technological advancements. To share this unique heritage and beauty with the world, the city is thrilled to announce the launch of a new hub on Google Arts & Culture developed in collaboration with 11 of the city's top museums. Visitors from anywhere in the world can now explore over 80+ stories, 2.000+ photos, and 20+ Street View captures, offering an inspiring virtual journey around the city.

1. Explore Vilnius from above

The streets of Vilnius, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Vilnius offers stunning ways to see the city. Ascend the Vilnius TV Tower - which stands two meters taller than the Eiffel Tower- for incredible panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can spot the UNESCO-inscribed Old Town, the magnificent Palace of Grand Dukes with its adjacent Gediminas Tower, or see the shining office buildings of the Business District. For the most unique view, virtually fly over the red rooftops and experience why Vilnius is a global hot air balloon capital.

2. Enjoy the enchanting narrow streets

'A Corner of Vilnius' by J. Faszowicz, from the collection of Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE

Skapo gatvė is the most narrow street in the city, where you can squeeze in the buildings that are just 1.9-metre from each other. Another iconic passage is the Jonas Mekas Draught Alley, a magical connection between Užupis district and the Vilnelė river. Užupis is another place you surely wouldn't like to miss. Proclaimed in 1997 an Independent Republic of Užupis by a group of artists, it will lure you with its bohemian bliss and vibrant Street Art. The Constitution of Užupis has been translated into more than 26 languages and hangs on one of the walls in the district.

3. Follow the lush nature

Europos Parkas, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Vilnius is one of the greenest capitals of Europe. Follow the leisurely path and take a stop at the Bernardine Garden. Created during the 15th century by the Bernardine monks, it is the oldest park and botanical garden in Vilnius and home to a 300-year-old oak tree. Another must visit is Vilnius Kalnų Park with the Hill of Three Crosses that overlooks it.

4. Join in the city celebrations

Kaziukas Fair, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Fresh and invigorated, you can get back to the city and lose yourself in one of many festivals taking place in its streets: from the joyous celebrations of the Street Music Day to the Kaziukas Fair taking place in the first weekend of March. Filled with songs, colorful parades, craftsmanship, and traditional food, it's the oldest and largest fair happening in the city. Another unique highlight is the Pink Soup Fest, where the city gathers to celebrate šaltibarščiai - the iconic bright-pink cold beet soup - with tastings, music, and playful pink-themed experiences. During winter there is an option to join the Light Festival, or join the Light Festival, when the landmarks and historic architecture are washed with colorful light. You can finish your round in Lukiškės Prison 2.0, a prison that got transformed into a public venue that hosts cultural and musical events.

Visit goo.gle/vilnius, or download Google Arts & Culture's Android or iOS app to explore further.

"A City That Moves You"

The streets of Vilnius, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

"A Corner of Vilnius" by J.Faszowicz, from the collection of Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE. An old corner of Vilnius that is much loved by artists is the narrow Bernardinų Street, which runs from Pilies to Maironio Street.

Europos Parkas, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Kaziukas Fair, from the collection of Vilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

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