Last stop in Lithuania: Vilnius

After breakfast, we were picked up to begin the journey to Vilnius with a stop at Trakai town, where we met our guide for that day and the next.

First, though, our driver suggested that we take a break at the Hill of Angels. There are 36 carved oak sculptues of angels, each donated by individuals, groups, or businesses, all to commemorate the Millennium of Lithuania and the 600th anniversary of the Trakai church.

 

The Grand Duke Gediminas, a medieval Lithuanian hero, is associated with the castle and town of Trakai. Our guide, a historian, told us the story of the beginning of development in the area in the 1400s. The castles were built on two islands in a perfect defensive position- the lands around the lake were flat, so that any enemy forces could be seen for a long time. As well, because of the fortress walls that were built close to the water line, there were no landing spots for the invaders.

The town was built by people of many nationalities- Karaims (our guide is Karaim and he described them as a Jewish sect), Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, and Poles.

As the buildings were being repaired, it was decided to fill in the channel between the two islands in order to preserve the foundations and the structures. Our guide also told us what is not generally known or acknowledged is that the restoration work on the castle was initiated by Stalin.

We climbed another steep and winding staircase (my favourite!) to get an overview of the interior of the castle grounds as well as its surroundings.

Barry trying out the punishment for being drunk on a Sunday. Men were caged for three days and pulled around town for everyone to see.

the filled in moat

Yes, we walked along these after climbing up the tower.

a view of a tower

Barry and I then enjoyed a peaceful 30 minute boat ride all around the castle and past the White Palace built by a Polish count at the turn of the 19th century.

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After enjoying a Karaim lunch- a large, lamb-filled dumpling- we returned to the car for the completion of our day's journey to Vilnius.

We had another upgrade to a suite. This one was located in a quiet corner of the hotel, complete with two bathrooms. I loved it!

We headed to Old Town for dinner.

We have had a lot of beer. It's cheaper and more delicious than water.

I had been feeling a little under the weather- mostly a bit of a sinus infection, just enough to make me decide to skip the next day's walking tour to relax and recuperate (in our fancy suite!).

Barry met our Karaim guide again and together they walked through Vilnius Old Town, visiting churches of many different religions and viewing various architectural sights. From our itinerary: Vilnius is often called a Baroque city. However, the ruins of castles, narrow streets, church spires, bell towers, red tile roofs and residential cellars testify that Vilnius has had major influence from the Gothic style.

art installation- Lithuanians love Frank Zappa

It was a busy day in Vilnius, as there was a major running event taking place throughout the day- a marathon as well as a variety of shorter races- 10 in all, we think. I walked with Barry to go do a little shopping in Old Town, and we encountered finishing lines a few times, so cheered the runners in. There were people everywhere! and we were happy to go back to our quiet room(s) a 15 minute walk away.