Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has a vitality that is unique. The first thing iI noticed is its geography. Surrounded by hills, loads of treees all around and the river creating two distinct regions--old Town and City Center to the south and the new business center to the north. The river is mostly set aside as a park with pedestrian and bicycle paths. Vilnius has a much more open feel than Riga with its narrow cobblestone streets winding every which way.
I spent most of the day wandering around the squares, visiting the many churches. Lithuania is predominantly Catholic, having allied with Poland for centuries. It's history is very different from that of Latvia and Estonia. Since I've visited all three countries, I'm curious why they've been grouped together as the Baltic States. All three are vastly different insofar as history, culture, language and religion.
I was really impressed with Vilnius and felt it was a trip worthwhile even though it's not an easy city to get to/from.
The medical castle, now a museum.
St Nicholas church beyond Town Hall Squate
Local dark beer--quite good
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