The first point on the sightseeing map is the Gates of Dawn. This is the gate through which you enter the Old Town; a great starting point for further exploration of Vilnius. This historical attraction is nothing more than a fragment of the defensive wall, which is the only remnant of the old city fortifications. Right above the gate there is a chapel of the same name – Gates of Dawn Chapel with an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Moving deep into the Old Town, I reached the Town Hall Square. It is the oldest element of the Old Town, where Lithuania was baptized in 1387 and Vilnius was granted Magdeburg rights. A beautifully restored square with the Town Hall, a fountain, as well as numerous local shops and restaurants where you can take a break for lunch or delicious coffee.
The next point of sightseeing is the Gediminas Tower. The western tower of the upper castle in Vilnius, which was erected in the Gothic style on Gediminas Hill in 1409. In 1419, the castle burned down, but was rebuilt. It is worth going there for one more reason – there is a beautiful panorama of Vilnius from the top.
The last point of the tour on the first day was the Presidential Palace. The official residence of the Lithuanian head of state, located within the Vilnius Old Town.
You can read more about Vilnius here.
