Introductory Word. Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities VILNIUS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE & CONVENTION BUREAU

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2 Introductory Word This route is the first tourist route of Vilnius city intended for the individuals with limited movement abilities. The idea to establish this kind of route originated on account of several reasons: Firstly, we received enquiries about the possibilities for the individuals in wheelchairs to arrive in Vilnius, to use public transport, visit museums and other places of interest. Secondly, our experience shows that individuals with movement disabilities can take part in Vilnius sightseeing tours (having chosen a special route) and visit the most beautiful sights of the Old Town. Thirdly, this publication should offer an encouragement to the individuals with movement disabilities to travel, having warned them of possible inconveniences in advance. Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities Gėlių g. 7, Vilnius, LT Tel lzns@negalia.lt VILNIUS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE & CONVENTION BUREAU Vilniaus g. 22, Vilnius, LT Tel tic@vilnius.lt Vilnius Tourist Information Centre (Vilniaus Street 22) has been adapted to the needs of the individuals with movement disabilities. The physical and social environment in Vilnius is not sufficiently well adapted to the needs of the disabled. Due to one reason or another no universal environment has been created that is adapted to every individual (both healthy or moving in a wheelchair, or an individual of an elderly age with movement disabilities). Objects of the cultural heritage located in the Old Town and the centre of the city are adapted to being visited, and some of the objects are adapted only in part (for example, only the ground floor can be visited, there is no toilet for the disabled visitors, etc.). The pavement with the ramp to descend is equipped in some places only; narrow streets and pavements of the Old Town can also cause inconvenience. Despite the existing problems, we invite you to try the route from Aušros Vartai (the Gate of Dawn) to the Arsenal, which is an interesting historical and cultural site. Next to every object on the route there are warnings about the possible obstacles (for example, a steep hillside, a step, etc.). This route was worked out in April-June 2010 in the presence of the individuals with movement disabilities and taking into consideration their remarks and propositions. You are recommended to become acquainted with the route prior to travelling and to assess your physical condition and your strength. We recommend you to travel together with an accompanying person. Duration of the route is 2-4 hours (the duration depends on whether you visit museums or not). Total length of the offered route is about 3 kilometres. A shorter route is also possible: when a person travels from Pilies Street to Cathedral Square (without turning into Maironio Street) about 2 kilometres. when one travels from Pilies Street to Cathedral Square (without turning into Maironio Street) and the route ends in Cathedral Square (without turning into Arsenalo Street) about 1,5 kilometres. We are open to your questions, comments, amendments, which will help accumulate more detailed information in the future. us: lzns@negalia.lt, tic@vilnius.lt. 2 3

3 Explanation of Symbols: Aušros Vartai (Gate of Dawn) Aušros Vartų g. 12 / 1 Object to be viewed from the outside only Information board available Only the ground floor is adapted to be visited Only one part adapted to be visited The Gate of Dawn is the only surviving gate of the original ten gates in the city wall built in The Chapel with its painting of the Mother of God, the Mother of Mercy, acknowledged miraculous is one of the most significant religious, historical and cultural places in Lithuania. Hillside Uneven pavement / doorstep at the entrance Lift / special chairlift Museum of Wax Figures Aušros Vartų g. 19 / Tel.: , , By arrangement. Advance booking only No adapted toilet available Adapted toilet available Narrow pavement This is the first gallery of wax figures in the Baltic States located on the ground floor of the house and in its basement, in an area of 150 square metres. About 70 sculptures of natural size film heroes, politicians, performers, actors, sportsmen are displayed there. Well-adjusted to visiting / easily accessible One step at the entrance Admission fee is charged / paid services Folk Artist Jonas Bugailiškis Art Studio-Museum Aušros Vartų g / Tel.: , Check opening (visiting) times Ring a special bell on entering One room adapted to the disabled Two rooms adapted to the disabled Jonas Bugailiškis is a member of the Lithuanian Union of Folk Artists, a sculptor, master of musical instruments and children s toys. One can see various works of the folk artist in his creative workshop (the courtyard). 4 3

4 4 Church of St. Theresa Aušros Vartų g. 14 / Tel Basilian Gate Aušros Vartų g. 7 7 The Church is one of the earliest Baroque churches in Vilnius. It was built on the initiative and with funds from vice chancellor Stephan Pac between 1633 and Later the Pociej Chapel-mausoleum devoted to that family was attached to it. There is one of the most beautiful altars (the High Altar), paintings by famous Lithuanian painters in the Church. 5 Church of the Holy Spirit and Monastery Aušros Vartų g. 10 (courtyard) The elegant gate of the Basilian Monastery was designed by famous architect of Vilnius Johann Christoph Glaubitz. Behind the arch of the gate (there is a very steep hillside in the yard) is the territory of the former Basilian monastery around a yard at the centre of which stands the Church of the Holy Trinity, which belonged to the religious community of the Uniates. At the beginning of the 19th century a part of the monastery held a prison; incarcerated in its cells were members of the Philaret and Philomat movement, including poet Adam Mickiewicz (a plaque over the door of the south wing records this fact) and scientist Ignacy Domeyko. Philharmonic Society Aušros Vartų g. 5 / Information: Tickets: , Legend has it that three courtiers of Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas who had already converted to Orthodoxy, refused to renounce their new faith and were tortured to death by the pagan priests nearby the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church was built in the 16th century. In the 19th century it was decided to create a place of the cult of the relics of the three martyrs. Monasteries, both male and female, at the Orthodox Church are the only Orthodox monasteries to remain open in Lithuania today. 6 Museum of Amber Figures Aušros Vartų g. 9 / Tel.: , The massive Philharmonic Society building, formerly the City Hall was built in 1902 in place of a Gothic Russian merchants inn. Today it is one of the most luxurious historicism-style buildings in Vilnius. The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society unites the best Lithuanian music performers and ensembles. The Philharmonic Society holds symphonic and chamber music concerts. The Philharmonic Hall can be visited but it is recommended to call about the tickets in advance. Church of St. Casimir Didžioji g. 34 / Tel The Museum collects, accumulates and displays amber articles created by artists, as well as unique pieces of amber. Visitors are acquainted with the history of the origin of amber and technologies of its processing. It was built by the Jesuits: work began on it in 1604, just two years after St. Casimir had been canonised and it was dedicated to his memory. The Baroque Church is famous for its magnificent domes. In the 19th 20th century the Church was closed down several times, the purpose of the building was changed (in 1932 it was converted into an Orthodox church, and in 1966 it was turned into a Museum of Atheism and continued to be used as such until 1988); it was reconsecrated in

5 10 Town Hall Didžioji g. 31 / Tel French Cultural Centre Didžioji g. 1 / Tel The Town Hall was established by Jogaila s privilege and was built as a symbol of granting Vilnius the Magdeburg Rights at the end of the 14th century. The Town Hall contained a magistrate, courtrooms, the treasury, the archive, special premises for keeping standard metres and measures, storerooms for grain, the arsenal and the basement being used as prison cells. The present building was constructed at the end of the 18th century according to a project by architect Laurynas Gucevičius in a strict Classical style after fire destroyed the earlier gothic building. Later it was converted into a theatre, and art museum and the palace of artists. Today the Town Hall is used for different official ceremonies, concerts and exhibitions. 11 Contemporary Art Centre Vokiečių g. 2 / Tel In 1804, the building that today houses the French Cultural Centre belonged to the university and was converted into professors apartments. Many culture figures lived there in the 19th century: outstanding medical doctor Joseph Frank, chemist Jędrzej Śniadecki and others. During the 1812 war the treasury of Napoleon s army was kept here; an army intendant Henri Beyle (who later became the writer Stendhal) also stayed in this building. The French Cultural Centre contains a mediatheque, a bookshop, and a café. Various events, the French language courses are organised there. Vilnius Picture Gallery Didžioji g. 4 / Tel.: , The Contemporary Art Centre is the largest contemporary art centre in the Baltic States. Two floors of the Contemporary Art Centre contain five exhibition halls. Avant-garde art created by the Lithuanian and foreign artists, as well as retrospective exhibitions of the 20th 21st century art are mounted there. 12 Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael Didžioji g. 12 Since 1994 the Chodkiewicz estate one of the most impressive ensembles of Classicist Vilnius architecture has housed the Vilnius Picture Gallery. This estate formed in the period of Gothic and Renaissance and in the middle of the 19th century the building was reconstructed in the style of late Classicism and acquired its present appearance. The interior of the Vilnius estate of the 19th century has been recreated in the halls of the first floor. It houses a permanent exhibition of Lithuanian painting, graphic art and sculpture of the 16th-19th century. Church of St. Paraskeva (Piatnica) Didžioji g It was built in 1514 by the great hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Constantine Ostrogsky. In the 18th century fires destroyed the old Gothic church; it was reconstructed in the late Baroque style. While implementing the tsarist Russification program, by Muravyov s order it was reconstructed in the Russian Byzantine style. The walls of the Church are built in the Gothic manner, the facade and the interior has numerous Gothic details. At the end of the 16th century a brick church was build in place of the first church that burned down. In 1611, the church and the adjacent buildings with an asylum were given to the Uniates. In the 18th century Peter I visited the renovated church and honoured it by donating flags seized from the vanquished Swedes. Legend has it that Peter I baptised the forefather of Alexander Pushkin, the African Hannibal, in this church. 6 7

6 16 Social Institutions Information Centre Souvenir Shop Pilies g Tel Note: there are two further routes from Pilies Street: 1) a shorter route to Cathedral Square (see page 11); 2) a longer route to Barboros Radvilaitės and Maironio Streets (information is provided below). Church of St. Francis from Assisi (Bernardine) Maironio g. 10 / Tel / Visitors Centre One can see and acquire original souvenirs made by the disabled people here. There are various leather items, knitted, woven and sewn clothes, ceramics, pottery and pictures. Everyone who buys a souvenir at this Centre supports a disabled person. 17 House of Signatories Pilies g. 26 / Tel The first Bernardine Church built in Vilnius in the 15th century most probably was wooden, and a monastery was established next to it. Today the Church of St. Francis from Assisi is one of the largest Gothic sanctuaries. The Church of St. Anne is built close to it. Church of St. Anne Maironio g The House of Signatories of Lithuania s independence is a historical and architectural building. It was here that on 16 February 1918 the Council s 20 members signed the deed declaring Lithuania an independent state. The House of Signatories shows the room, restored according to information provided by a single old photograph, where the document was signed, and mounts rotating exhibitions about the individual signatories. 18 Pilies Street Pilies g. 12 (Gothic house) The Church of St. Anne is one of the most beautiful and famous structures in Vilnius built at the turn of the 15th and the 16th centuries. This is a masterpiece of late (so-called flamboyant) Gothic, nearly unsurpassed in the world. It is a subject of a much-quoted remark, said to have been made by Napoleon when his army occupied Vilnius in 1812, that he would like to be able to place it on the palm of his hand and take it back with him to Paris. Exposition Halls Titanikas Maironio g. 3 Building of Vilnius Academy of Arts (2 floor) Tel Pilies Street is the most popular street in Vilnius. It is a continuation of Didžioji Street. Though Vilnius was damaged and destroyed in the fires many times, this street has preserved its old appearance and traces of the old architecture: small courtyards, arcades, vaults, original staircases and basements. The primary and most important function of the street was commercial. The street served as a kind of spinal cord to the old town that grew around. It connected the Castle with the main marketplace, Town Hall Square. Pilies Street No. 12 is a Gothic house with reconstructed decorative gothic facades and cylindrical vaults in the basement and on the ground floor. Exhibitions of the collections of the Academy s Museum, works by the lecturers, graduates, art creators, Lithuanian and foreign art, design, architecture, photo media, as well as other events of art and culture are held in the exposition halls Titanikas situated in the Design Innovations Centre of Vilnius Academy of Arts. 8 9

7 22 Sereikiškių Park Next to crossroad of Barboros Radvilaitės and Maironio Streets Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Katedros aikštė 3 (Cathedral Square) / Tel In 2010, Sereikiškių Park, which is situated in one of the most beautiful places in the city, was reconstructed according to the design of artist A. Strauss. In , the former garden of the monastery will be recreated, the botanic gardens, a conservatory, a special place for chamber events, a rock garden, a rosarium and ponds will be built. 23 Juškus Gallery Barboros Radvilaitės g. 6B / Tel A wooden settlement used to be in this historic place in the 4th 8th century. In the 8th 14th century a part of the settlement turned into a castle. Almost all rulers of Lithuania resided there. They expanded and rebuilt the palace and in the 15th 17th century Vilnius became one of the largest centres in Europe. In the 18th 19th century the occupants devastated and completely ruined the palace. Opening of the Museum has been postponed. Please, see information at Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas Cathedral Square 26 This is the first private professional art gallery in Lithuania founded in 1990 close to Sereikiškių Park. The main trend in the activity of the gallery is to represent and propagate art of modern classics of Lithuania and the Baltic States of the 20th century. The gallery displays works of the most outstanding painters and artists. 24 Part of the Park (Valley of Šventaragis) Between Gediminas Castle Hill and Barboros Radvilaitės Street Public Toilet Barboros Radvilaitės Street Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas (ruled between 1316 and 1341) is considered to be the founder of the city of Vilnius. The monument, which was made to a design by Vytautas Kašuba, a New York-based Lithuanian, was unveiled in Cathedral Square, Bell Tower Cathedral Square 27 The part of the Park near Cathedral Square and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania adorns the centre of the city. The former valley of Šventaragis (in historical sources its place is defined to have been at the confluence of the Neris and the Vilnia Rivers) is related to the ancient Baltic (Lithuanian) religion and mythology. Grand Dukes of Lithuania used to be buried here and legend has it that in the 13th century ruler Šventaragis started this burial tradition. The temple of Perkūnas stood in the valley of Šventaragis, an eternal fire burned there, various rituals used to be performed there. Cathedral Square is one of the places in Vilnius that was mentioned earliest. In the 18th century the Lower Castle stood in this square; it was the administrative and defensive centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, it contained the arsenal and religious institutions. In the 15th century the defensive tower of the Castle was transformed into a belfry (not visited). Today the brown band on the pavement in the Square marks the contours of the former defensive wall

8 28 Tile Miracle Between Cathedral and Bell Tower New and Old Arsenal Arsenalo g. 1, 3 / Tel.: , There is a tile in Cathedral Square bearing the word Miracle written in coloured letters. It is believed that your wish will certainly come true if you stand on the tile created by the artist Gitenis Umbrasas and turn round your axis. 29 Cathedral and Chapel of St. Casimir Katedros aikštė 1 (Cathedral Square) / Tel The Lithuanian National Museum is the largest depository of the historic heritage of Lithuania and at the same time it is the oldest museum whose sources date back to 1855 when the Museum of Antiquities in Vilnius was founded. Authentic exhibits reflect the history of Lithuania, present traditional Lithuanian culture and customs in the exposition of the New Arsenal. The exposition (pre-history) of the Old Arsenal acquaints one with archaeology, history and ethnic culture of Lithuania. Funicular and Gediminas Castle Hill Arsenalo g. 3, 5 (Funicular in the courtyard) / Tel The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislaus was built in the centre of the city on the site of the former pagan sanctuary. Because of frequent fires, wars and soft ground the Cathedral was reconstructed and renovated many times. Today the Cathedral is the most monumental purely Classical building (architect Laurynas Gucevičius). The architect included St. Casimir s Chapel into it, which is one of the most valuable and typical Baroque monuments. The central entrance to the Cathedral has stairs and the side entrance is through a narrow door with a doorstep. It takes 35 seconds for the funicular to cover a 71-meter long section from the foot of Gediminas Hill up to the top. When going up in the funicular one can enjoy a spectacular view of the Neris River. The exposition of Gediminas Castle (not suited to be visited) acquaints one with the models of reconstruction of Vilnius castles in the 14th 17th century, armoury, and iconographic material of old Vilnius. A magnificent panorama of the Old Town opens from Gediminas Castle. 30 Monument to King Mindaugas Arsenalo g., next to Lithuanian National Museum Museum of Applied Art Arsenalo g. 3A / Tel.: , A 3,5 meter-high granite monument to King Mindaugas was unveiled in 2003 (sculptor Regimantas Midvikis). The King is portrayed sitting on the throne and holding the King s regalia the Royal Sceptre and a ball with a cross. The pedestal of the monument is surrounded by the Sun calendar in which the most important pagan and Christian festivals are marked. The Museum is located in the Old Arsenal, which in the middle of the 16th century was mentioned as one of the structures of the Lower Castle. During the archaeological investigations into the Old Arsenal carried out between 1972 and 1978, a brick wall and a quadrangular tower (its remnants can be seen upon entering the Museum) of the middle of the 14th century, as well as the lancet gates of the castle through which visitors get into the Museum today, were uncovered

9 USEFUL INFORMATION: NOTES: Hotels: It is recommended to inform the hotel of your arrival by telephone in advance. Europa Royal Vilnius **** Aušros Vartų g. 6, tel , Ramada Hotel & Suites Vilnius ***** Subačiaus g. 2, tel , Radisson Blu Astorija Hotel ***** Didžioji g. 35/2, tel , Narutis ***** Pilies g. 24, tel , Atrium **** Pilies g. 10, tel , Amberton **** L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus g. 1, tel , Restaurants, cafes: The majority of restaurants and cafes in Aušros Vartų, Didžioji, Pilies Streets are not specially equipped for the disabled but they can still be visited (wide doors, no stairs at the entrance, a spacious hall, etc.) Restaurant San Marco Subačiaus g. 2, tel Beer Restaurant and Live Music Club Aula Pilies g. 11, tel , Restaurant Da Antonio L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus g. 1, tel , Other: Most of the souvenir shops in Aušros Vartų, Didžioji, Pilies streets are not specially equipped for the disabled. Most often there are stairs to enter the shop. Linen Shop Lino namai Pilies g. 38, tel Internet Café Collegium Pilies g (courtyard), tel , We recommend you to visit Gedimino Avenue where there is a well-adjusted pavement, trading centres

10 OBJECTS FOR VISITING: MAP 1 Aušros Vartai (Gate of Dawn) 2 Museum of Wax Figures 3 Folk Artist Jonas Bugailiškis Art Studio-Museum 4 Church of St. Theresa 5 Church of the Holy Spirit and Monastery 6 Museum of Amber Figures 7 Basilian Gate 8 Philharmonic Society 9 Church of St. Casimir 10 Town Hall 11 Contemporary Art Centre 12 Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael 13 French Cultural Centre 14 Vilnius Picture Gallery 15 Church of St. Paraskeva (Piatnica) 16 Social Institutions Information Centre Souvenir Shop 17 House of Signatories 18 Pilies Street 19 Church of St. Francis from Assisi (Bernardine) 20 Church of St. Anne 21 Exposition Halls Titanikas 22 Sereikiškių Park 23 Juškus Gallery 24 Part of the Park (Valley of Šventaragis) 25 Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania 26 Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas 27 Cathedral Square, Bell Tower 28 Tile Miracle 29 Cathedral and Chapel of St. Casimir 30 Monument to King Mindaugas 31 New and Old Arsenal 32 Funicular and Gediminas Castle Hill 33 Museum of Applied Art 16 17

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