My homeland is rich with history and a hidden gem to an avid traveller. One can easily spend several days in Vilnius, the historic capital of Lithuania. From the Palace of Dukes to spectacular panoramic red rooftop views of the old city from the surrounding hills, to heart-wrenching stories of the Jewish population, to the Gothic steeples of St. Ann’s Church and overwhelming 2000 stucco sculptures inside the church of St. Peter and Paul.
Besides city centre, we could also go for a hike in a picturesque park in Belmontas. There is an old water mill that has been converted into a historic Steep River Vilnia banks offer spectacular views.
If you are in Vilnius, it would be a shame not to visit its satellite – the medieval island castle of Trakai. Do not forget to engage your imagination and feast with the rulers, quarrel with the nobles, or defend the walls from foreign invaders. Don’t forget Kernavė, the first Lithuanian capital with five fort-hills in one location! If that is not enough, on the way back, we can visit the ancient burial mounds near Dūkštos.
On the way to Kaunas, we can stop in Pažaislis with the breathtaking baroque interior of the church and Camaldoli monastery complex.
During the years of restored independence enclosed by two World Wars, Kaunas was the only temporary capital in Europe. Coinciding with the prevalent architectural style of art deco and the need to establish the missing political, financial, and social infrastructure in the city – due to the Polish occupation of Vilnius – Kaunas became permeated by the fashion of the times.
If you are into the Baltic German heritage, we could spend a night in Pakruojis, the biggest manor in the Baltic countries. On the other hand, if you are into the remnants of the dark ages of Soviet occupation, Plokštynė will be right up your alley as it houses the Cold War Museum with the former Soviet Union’s complex of a ballistic missile launch.
And finally, your visit of the country will be incomplete if you miss the beautiful Baltic coast, and especially the Curonian Spit. Sometimes windy, sometimes desert-like sand dunes create the atmosphere that can be accurately described in Jean-Paul Sartre’s words, “I feel as if I’m standing at the gates of Eden.”
Oh, and yes, it is the G-Spot of Europe. Nobody knows where it is, but when you find it – it’s amazing!