Study History & Architecture in Lithuania

Welcome to beautifully green Lithuania! A short 14-minute drive will deliver you directly to the heart of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. Take some time to unpack, relax, and become acquainted with your surroundings by visiting St. Anne’s Church. On the banks of a river, St. Anne’s is an awe-inspiring gothic masterpiece. Consecrated in 1500, the Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a stop at the highly rated Birzu Duona Kepykla bakery for some tasty Lithuanian pastries.

Today starts at the unusual Museum of Illusions. The museum has only been around since 2016, but its impressive 70 exhibits will leave you questioning what is real. It features 3D art, optical illusions, and VR installations are a few of the fun pieces you’ll find here. They also have light and dance shows in the hall to add an extra layer of illusion!

From here, you’ll head over to the Trakai Island Castle. The stone castle was built in the 14th century and once held military prestige. Nowadays, the castle preserves frescos and a 15th-century style from when it was reconstructed after World War II.

End your day at the Verkiai Regional Park, which was established in 1992. The park is home to the Green Lakes and various cultural buildings. Visit the palace, the 17th-century cavalry, the 18th-century baroque chapels or simply enjoy a stroll around the beautiful green park.

For your third day, you’ll visit Kaunas. Get ready for another unusual spot, this being your day at the Devil’s Museum. Opened in 1966, the odd museum collects artworks depicting the devil from all over the world. The museum’s building was once the house of Antanas Zmuidzinavicius who started the museum. The museum currently houses 3,000 pieces. Themes range from folklore to political commentary in which historical figures are used to represent the devil.

Up next, you’ll visit the Ninth Fort, housed in the 19th-century Kauna Fortress, which was once a place of transportation to Soviet labor camps. Later on, it became a concentration camp for Lithuanian Jews under Nazi occupation. The museum exhibits both Soviet and Nazi memorabilia from the atrocities committed in the fort. In 2014, a monument was erected in memory of all the Jewish lives lost here. 

The final stop will be in St. Michael the Archangel’s Church, which you’ll soon learn is no ordinary church. It was established in 1895, and the neo-Byzantine edifice is home to the Museum for the Blind. The museum is tucked away in the church’s catacombs and began as an installation, but today you can explore through sound, touch, and smell.

This famous stretch is known as the castle road. Today, you’ll visit three Lithuanian castles, starting with Raudondvaris Castle. The Gothic-Renaissance castle dates back to the 1300s. It was home to soldiers, knights, and royalty. The current castle shows the 1600s reconstruction it underwent under Prince Janusz Radziwill. The castle was also destroyed by the Russians and the Germans but has come back every time.

Next, visit Raudone Castle. Once a 19th-century castle, today it’s actually a public school! It took the place of Bayersburg II Castle, the setting for the “White Maiden of Beyersburg” tale. It was built in the Renaissance style and is surrounded by gorgeous greenery.  Visit the tower for a splendid view of the valley.

Your last stop is at Panemune Castle. On the banks of a river, you’ll find the castle that took over a fort. Built in the early 1600s, it’s regarded as one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the region. It was rebuilt in 1759 and today houses pieces from the Vilnius Art Academy. Make sure to check out the great view the tower offers to all visitors!

More than halfway through your trip, you’ll visit Klaipeda. By the Baltic Sea, you’ll visit the Seaside Regional Park. Founded to preserve the coasts, nature, and culture of Lithuania, explore the biodiversity and boulders of the park. Witness impressive dunes, a 20th-century ship rescue station or simply enjoy a walk around!

After a relaxing morning at the park, visit the old town of Sanemiesti. The town was modeled according to the old German style of the 17th and 18th centuries. Although little remains, you can still admire some ruins of the old fortress. Visit the ferry, the two castles, or stroll around Market Square. And don’t miss out on the Upside-Down house just 7 km outside of town!

End your day with a visit to the Culture Factory. This is one of the most innovative and artistic areas in Lithuania. Artists from all over come here to implement their ideas and make them a reality. There’s two available theatres as well as exhibits for you to explore.

On your next to last day, you’ll explore the famous Curonian Spit. Start your day with a visit to the Curonian Lagoon. Separated from the Baltic Sea thanks to the spit, this freshwater lagoon has been around since 7000 BCE and its rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, the lagoon suffers due to pollution. Take some time to clean up around the area, try not to use any plastic products for the duration of your trip or see about donating or helping with a water waste treatment! 

Next, visit the Hill of Witches. A sculpture atop a dune, the project began in 1979 and now has grown to an 80 sculpture installation. Take your time hunting for them along the trails. As you view them, learn about Lithuanian folk tales and pagan traditions. There are often woodworking symposiums and even a festival held every summer!

End your day with a stop at the Dead Dunes. Lithuania is home to the biggest migrating dunes in the world! These impressive natural formations are up to 60 meters high, and over the years, four villages and two cemeteries have been buried under their shifting sands. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find rare plants. Explore the trails and learn more about the unique flora of the dune region.

As your time in Lithuania draws to a close, make one final stop in Vilnius’ Graiunai Market. The biggest market in Lithuania, it houses 10,000 sellers! Find unique pieces at the post-Soviet market. Then, pack up and head back from this wonderful and unique adventure.