Užupis, Independent artistic micronation in Vilnius, Lithuania
Užupis is a neighborhood on the east bank of the Vilnia River, known for its narrow streets, art galleries, and studios housed in converted industrial buildings. The area spans a small territory and is densely filled with art spaces and creative workshops.
After Lithuania's independence in 1991, artists moved into this former industrial area and transformed it fundamentally. The neighborhood declared itself a self-proclaimed republic in 1997, creating a new space for artistic expression.
The neighborhood has become a gathering place for artists, with studios and galleries shaping the streets and open-air exhibitions visible throughout. Visitors experience a living art scene that flows through daily life and sets this place apart from other parts of the city.
Visitors can obtain symbolic passports at the bridge checkpoint and read the constitution in various languages posted on streets throughout the area. The neighborhood is best explored on foot, and most galleries and art spaces are easily accessible.
The neighborhood has its own currency, national anthem, and a president, emphasizing its artistic independence declaration. The local constitution with 41 articles guarantees unusual rights, such as the right to be lazy or to celebrate life.
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