Photography & Digital Art,TravelNOV 30, 2023

Capital Of Lithuania Celebrated Its 700th Anniversary, And Here Are My 23 Pictures Of This City

Vilnius is one of the prettiest cities in Europe and I love spending my days and nights walking through the streets and absorbing its unique vibe. This January I had a great opportunity to celebrate its 700th birthday.

The capital of Lithuania was first mentioned on the 25th of January 1323 by the Grand Duke of Lithuania - Gediminas. On this day, 700 years ago, the ruler and founder of Vilnius wrote a letter "to the people of the world" and invited them to settle in the new city he built on the hills by the river of Neris. This event I also recognized as the first attempt to cooperate between the last pagan state in Europe - Lithuania - and the medieval Christian world. The Gediminas letter was written in Latin with the help of a Christian monk, but Lithuania was officially baptized decades after founding Vilnius.

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#1

Capital Of Lithuania Celebrated Its 700th Anniversary, And Here Are My 23 Pictures Of This City

32points

Vilnius' heritage and history are very fascinating and this year it was a long and special celebration party for the city, its citizens, and visiting tourists. I couldn't help but participate in the birthday of one of my favorite cities. The main motto of this year's anniversary is "Vilnius: 700 years young". The city is forward-looking and developing rapidly, but at the same time, it praises its heritage and rich history at its best.

While visiting Vilnius you are able to participate in many festivals, cultural and educational events. You could also experience how the old soul, enchanting architecture, and streets full of history work together in harmony with the modern, fresh, and vivid vibe of the city.

Take a look at how the Old Town of Vilnius, added in 1994 to the UNESCO World Heritage List, looked on the day of its 700th birthday and during the special Light Festival, turning Vilnius into a futuristic city.

Happy birthday, Vilnius, from your Polish neighbors!

#2

29points

#3

29points

I’m a photographer and traveler. I love exploring natural beauty of our planet and city’s architecture. As a geographer, I love finding out and understanding the processes both natural and cultural happening on the Earth. The curiosity of the world makes me want to visit more and more places. Since 2018 I cooperate with Switzerland Tourism and since 2021 with the city of Vilnius.

I visit Vilnius pretty often as I’m truly in love with this city. I especially love visiting Vilnius during Christmas season, when it turns into a winter fairytale. I love walking through the illuminated streets of the Old Town in the blue evenings and at long nights. Vilnius is mesmerizing and there is definitely something magnetic that makes me want to come back there again and again and I’m coming back there again this December.

#4

29points

#5

27points

To the celebration of Vilnius 700 birthday, I was invited by GoVilnius - the official city’s tourist board. It was such a magical time and a huge honor to participate in this very special event. Vilnius is amazingly vibrant, the motto of the year - 700 years young says it all :)

#6

25points

#7

24points

Currently, I’m working on a project where I photograph the cities at night. It’s a magical time when you can feel the real ghost of the streets without crowds and in complete silence. I still have many cities on my list to capture, to many of them, like Vilnius, I come back many times, so it’s more like a lifetime project. Anyway, I hope soon it will turn into an album with poetry I write during exploring various places.

Keep exploring the cities at night if you want to experience them in an unusual way and feel their wonderful magic!