Vilnius Signs of History: Long Way to Freedom

Let’s start from the earliest times, when Lithuanian Dukes created a powerful empire of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (134 years passed from the coronation of Mindaugas to baptism of Lithuania). Afterwards, long-term union (408 years) with the Kingdom of Poland followed and left traces, that are still visible today. Then was a complex period of Imperial Russia occupation, when Lithuania disappeared from the World map for 123 years, but that period is marked by birth of national movement, that laid the foundation for the first Lithuanian Republic, that lasted nearly 20 years between two World Wars. And at last - crucial XX century, when the those, who govern Lithuania, changed for 6 times, but the final result is independent Lithuania (second Republic) of these days.

If you want to have a closer look to this long way to freedom, join us on this tour, that starts at the heart of Vilnius - monument to Grand Duke Gediminas on Cathedral Square and finishes at Genocide (KGB) museum. On the way we will search for the signs of every period that influenced nowadays Vilnius view.

During this walking tour we will try to find an answer to tricky question: how Lithuania and Lithuanians managed to survive these whirlwinds of ages and come to today’s situation when the country, still under impact of 50 years soviet occupation, tries to blend into the economic and cultural space of Europe Union.

Though description may sound very serious and even formidable, this tour wouldn’t be a lesson of history - it will include both: brief review historical events and some small funny stories, related with visited places.