The Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania is the main town square where you'll find the neo-classical Vilnius Cathedral. It is a key location in the city's public life, as it is situated at the crossing of the city's main streets. The Cathedral Square is also considered a reflection of the city's diversity. The site regularly hosts local fairs, town gatherings, military parades, religious events, large concerts, New Year's Eve celebrations, and much more throughout the year. It is not merely the most lively and important location in the city, but is also one of the most significant and widely known symbols of Lithuania.
One of the most distinctive buildings in Cathedral Square is the Vilnius Cathedral's adjoining bell tower. You won't have to travel far from the actual cathedral to get to it, as the bell tower is situated just a few yards from the cathedral! This type of building proximity when it comes to cathedrals and watch towers is pretty uncommon outside of Italy. Overlooking the lower cathedral and its surrounding square is Gediminas Hill, which is crowned by the Upper Castle (14th–15th centuries). Here you'll encounter a single red tower. A visit to Vilnius would not be complete without a hike to the top of the red upper tower. You'll first have the opportunity to learn more about the city with a stop at the tower's quaint museum. Once you reach the top of the bell tower, you'll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Explore the city
At the Hill Park, take the time to travel the Three Crosses Hill crowned by a sculpture of three crosses dedicated to a group of 14th century Christian martyrs. The site was demolished by the Soviets in the 1950s; however, the crosses were eventually rebuilt in 1989. To the south of Bernardine Garden stands the Saint Ann church, one of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius, as well as Saint Francis of Assisi church and St. Michael's church which features a large white Russian Orthodox cathedral that is widely considered the center of Russian Orthodoxy in Lithuania. The Old Town itself lies to the west of these religious buildings. It includes many other elaborate churches constructed in the baroque style of the 1600s and 1700s. Take the time to explore beyond the walls of the cathedral and other building structures of Vilnius. The Old Town is crisscrossed by narrow streets where, behind the buildings you'll discover courtyards—some of them still in use by locals and visitors travelling from one street to another.
