The Role of Lithuania in European History, or Secrets of Old Vilnius
About this experience
Vilnius is a relatively small city but possesses an extraordinary aura. It intertwines the destinies not only of its people - it has nurtured Russian and Western European dynasties with its blood - an important part of Lithuanian history. Events that changed the course of Europe took place near the walls of Old Vilnius. Pagan temples coexist here with churches, cathedrals, and synagogues, and the Pushkin family, strangely enough, has its roots here. On this walking tour, you will explore the key attractions of the city, while I narrate the history of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and its neighbors.
Program
During three hours, we will explore the entire Old Town: the streets of Subačiaus, Maironis, Radvilaitės, Upės, Pilies, Didžioji, Vokiečių, Stiklių, Dominikonų, Universiteto, Stuokos, Gedimino Avenue, and the suburb of Antakalnis.
During the historical sightseeing tour of Vilnius, you will learn:
- where our ethnicity and language have originated;
- which neighbors are closer to our roots: Slavs, Germans, Romans, Finno-Ugric people, Balts; and why;
- why pagan Lithuania was baptized only in the 14th century, lagging behind Kyivan Rus, Scandinavia, and Poland by almost 500 years;
- why the diverse, multilingual, and multi-confessional Grand Duchy of Lithuania preserved unity for a long time;
- about the correspondence between the Roman Pope and Grand Duke Gediminas;
- how the Jesuit order influenced the development of education and science in Lithuania;
- the connection between Lithuania and Ivan the Terrible;
- how Pushkin's family is linked to a small church in the old town of Vilnius;
- how the three crosses on the hill opposite Gediminas Castle are related to Orthodoxy in Lithuania;
- why Lithuania needed an ally in the form of Poland;
- the connections between the Jewish community of Vilnius (Litvaks) and the founding fathers of the state of Israel;
- what Napoleon did in Vilnius and what he was amazed by;
- the meaning of the tricolor on Gediminas Tower and what our flag looked like during the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania;
- and much more.
Thus, you will learn that the history of Lithuania and Vilnius is inseparably linked to neighboring countries, whether it be the foreign policy of different eras or specific cases of kinship. This also proves the feedback with Russian involvement in the country's events and the fate of the Lithuanian people. You will discover the legacy of these alliances and will inevitably feel united with the country, the capital, and its inhabitants.
Organizational Details
The cost of the tour includes expenses for transport, fuel, and parking.
