City Wall of Vilnius, Defensive wall in Old Town Vilnius, Lithuania.
The City Wall of Vilnius surrounds the Old Town with a partially preserved fortification made of stone and brick. It originally extended over several kilometers and had nine gates, of which only the Gate of Dawn still stands.
The wall was funded by local landowners between 1503 and 1522 to protect the city from attacks during Lithuanian wars. The fortification was part of the defense system against various external threats of that period.
The Gate of Dawn was the last remaining city gate and is now a sacred space where visitors light candles and pray.
The best time to explore is during daylight hours when the structure and surroundings are clearly visible. Some sections of the wall are easy to access, while other parts require climbing stairs or navigating uneven terrain.
An artillery bastion section displays early gunpowder weapons and the first European artillery textbook by Kazimieras Simonavičius from the 17th century. This collection shows the fortification's role in advancing military technology.
Location: Vilnius
Inception: 1503
GPS coordinates: 54.67430,25.28960
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
Lithuania combines medieval architecture with expansive natural areas and a complex history. The capital Vilnius presents Gediminas Tower, baroque churches such as Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Gate of Dawn, as well as reminders of Soviet occupation including the KGB Bunker Museum and Lukiškės Prison. Trakai Castle, situated on an island in a lake, ranks among the country's most recognized historical structures. Kaunas, the second-largest city, holds the baroque Pažaislis Monastery, the Christ's Resurrection Basilica, and the Ninth Fort, a memorial to Second World War victims. The Baltic Sea coast features the port city of Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit, a narrow land formation with shifting dunes and fishing villages. Inland, several national parks extend across the landscape, including Aukštaitija with its lakes and forests, Žemaitija surrounding Lake Plateliai, and Dzukija in the south. The spa town of Druskininkai is known for its mineral springs, wellness facilities, and Grūtas sculpture park, which exhibits Soviet-era statues. Other sites include the archaeological area of Kernavė, the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, the Nemunas Delta, and several castles such as Kaunas, Biržai, Medininkai, Panemunė, and Raudondvaris. The Užupis district in Vilnius draws visitors with its alternative arts scene.
Gate of Dawn
19 m
Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn
0 m
Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Vilnius
161 m
Town Hall, Vilnius
445 m
Church of Blessed Virgin Mary of Consolation, Vilnius
513 m
St. Nicholas Church, Vilnius
621 m
Church of St. Casimir, Vilnius
379 m
Church and monastery of the Holy Trinity, Vilnius
136 m
Church of St. Theresa
73 m
Church of All Saints, Vilnius
387 m
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
625 m
Choral Synagogue of Vilnius
566 m
Holy Spirit Monastery, Vilnius
216 m
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Vilnius
536 m
Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society
247 m
Vilnus puppet theatre «Lele»
339 m
Halė Market
249 m
Kaplica Ostrobramska
8 m
Church of Ascension in Vilnius
505 m
Subačius Gate
277 m
Abramavičiai Palace
369 m
Church of St. Joseph the Betrothed
311 m
Pałac Ogińskich w Wilnie
370 m
Railway Museum in Lithuania
568 m
Zamelis Synagogue
370 m
Cerkiew Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego w Wilnie
548 m
Vilnius-Lublin Portal
545 m
Margutis
453 mReviews
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