Inside Vilnius
On Saturday, we headed out to see the sights here in central Vilnius. First we walked by the Presidential Palace and Vilnius University. Then we passed by Town Hall Square. After this we went to the "Gates of Dawn", which was the old entrance to the city. Located within the Gates is a famous painting of Mary, which is known for many miraculous answers to prayers. We ascended the steps to the alcove where the painting was located. There was some type of service taking place, so we stepped inside briefly to see the painting, say a prayer, and then left quietly so as not to intrude on the service.
Next we walked past the Bastion of the Defensive Wall, which is an old fortress. We continued on to the Republic of Uzupis, which would be similar to Greenwich Village. The Republic of Uzupis is a self-proclaimed republic of artists and Bohemians. It has its own constitution, president, anthem, bishop, and national holiday.
Next we visited 2 churches which were adjacent to one another. The first church that we went in was the larger of the two. It was called St. Bernardinu, and it was obviously a popular choice for weddings. We counted probably 4 or 5 brides in the outer courtyard, all awaiting their turn for the church. As one wedding ended, the wedding party moved outside, and the next one moved in. The church of St. Anne next door was smaller, and there were no weddings taking place there.
After a brief break, we continued our tour of central Vilnius. We walked through the Bernardine Garden. We saw a musical water fountain where the water "danced" in tune with some operatic music.
We continued about a half mile down the street to the Church of St. Peter and Paul. This church is renowned for its exquisitely beautiful interior, with over 2000 stucco figures intricately carved into the ceiling and walls.
We made our way back to the B&B, passing the Gedorminas Tower, Lithuanian Museum, and Palace of the Grand Dukes along the way.
Back at the B&B, we took a break before heading back out to Cathedral Square, where we attended Mass. The Mass was in Lithuanian, so we didn't understand the words, but because Catholicism is universal, we could easily follow the part of the Mass taking place, and pray the prayers silently in English.
Next we walked past the Bastion of the Defensive Wall, which is an old fortress. We continued on to the Republic of Uzupis, which would be similar to Greenwich Village. The Republic of Uzupis is a self-proclaimed republic of artists and Bohemians. It has its own constitution, president, anthem, bishop, and national holiday.
Next we visited 2 churches which were adjacent to one another. The first church that we went in was the larger of the two. It was called St. Bernardinu, and it was obviously a popular choice for weddings. We counted probably 4 or 5 brides in the outer courtyard, all awaiting their turn for the church. As one wedding ended, the wedding party moved outside, and the next one moved in. The church of St. Anne next door was smaller, and there were no weddings taking place there.
After a brief break, we continued our tour of central Vilnius. We walked through the Bernardine Garden. We saw a musical water fountain where the water "danced" in tune with some operatic music.
We continued about a half mile down the street to the Church of St. Peter and Paul. This church is renowned for its exquisitely beautiful interior, with over 2000 stucco figures intricately carved into the ceiling and walls.
We made our way back to the B&B, passing the Gedorminas Tower, Lithuanian Museum, and Palace of the Grand Dukes along the way.
Back at the B&B, we took a break before heading back out to Cathedral Square, where we attended Mass. The Mass was in Lithuanian, so we didn't understand the words, but because Catholicism is universal, we could easily follow the part of the Mass taking place, and pray the prayers silently in English.
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