Photo. The Cathedral and The Bell Tower at Katedros Sq in Vilnius is one of the absolute highlights. © Travel Explorations.
Fragments of different styles of construction of The Cathedral have survived up to the present time. The interior in the big cathedral contains many valuable frescos, pictures, sculptures, and tombstones. It took me a while before I found an office well hidden in the Cathedral where I could ask for help. Unfortunately it was an ugly and rude old woman behind the desk. She was definitely not in the mood for any helpful service this day. I and my friend used our charm the best we could, but she rejected brutally all our requests. She was the only person we met in Vilnius who was not nice.
The Bell Tower of the Cathedral at the Katedros Sq rises up beside The Cathedral. The bell tower stands on the remains of the fortifications of the Lower Castle. It is thought that the lowest round tier of the bell tower dates back to the second part of the 14th century, later the bell tower became a belfry. The next tier was built in the 17th century with the installation of the clock made in Germany by Joseph Bergman. The belfry acquired its present appearance at the beginning of the 19th century, and stands at a height of 57 metres.
The Cathedral and the Bell Tower were especially beautiful when they were illuminated in the dark night.
As UNESCO writes on its website, (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, www.Unesco.org); Vilnius has had a profound influence on the cultural and architectural development of much of Eastern Europe. Despite invasions and partial destruction, it has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural setting.
European Capital of Culture 2009
When the European Union had to choose the first European Capital of Culture from one of the “new” EU member states, the choice was Vilnius as European Capital of Culture 2009. As Vilnius is a culture city already in 2008, a lot of cultural activities will take place. At New Years Eve 2008 the official Culture Year begins which means that 2009 will be packed with activities.
The official programme Vision and Mission 2009 for Vilnius is:
VISION - Vilnius – a European capital of the future that is open to people, cultures and innovation.
MISSION - To create a new European cultural experience in which culture is a part of modern life and each individual its creator.
The motto of the Program is: Vilnius, the European Culture Capital 2009. It`s VILNIUS CV. The two initials in abbreviation reveal the main focus of the Program. Creativity and Vitality, these are the essential features characterizing Vilnius as a rapidly developing city.
History has shown that nothing can stop Vilnius from preserve its beauty. The city has been intensively preparing the big cultural event since 2006. It couldn’t be a better city for an event like this. The count down has now started. I am really convinced that this city live up to its motto, and I wish the organisers and people there good luck with the event.
Stein Morten Lund, 23 February 2008
Additional information
I bought a music CD with the title Deficitas where the Lithuanian pop group Isjunk Sviesa plays. It wakes up good memories from my stay in Vilnius. The city is real rock`n roll!
Read more about Lithuania on our global travel guide www.TravelExplorations.com.
Read about the wonderful Trakai Island Castle: Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania – from a battlefield, residence, prison to a wonderful historical architectural monument!
E-mail this
Print this
