Vilnius (what remains)

What remains of my memories (and photos) of Vilnius are relatively mundane but beautiful in that things-are-really-old kind of way.  With the remnants of the day's light, we climbed up series of slippery cobbles to Gediminas Castle, which is less castle and more lookout tower with some pretty stunning views of the city. 

 For 5 lita, you have the opportunity to peruse various historical artifacts before perching atop the turret and commanding the attention of the universe from a universally exceptional vantage point.  

                                                

To the one side, the Hill of Three Crosses stands as a monument to seven Franciscan monks who were tortured by a group of pagans before Lithuania converted to Christianity.  Apparently it's meant to symbolise the importance of Christianity to the Lithuanian nation.  

                                    

From another side, you face the Neris river and the financial district of Vilnius.  

And from the most stunning side, you've got a view, through an old stone window which only seeks to increase its charm, of the city's old town.  

                                                

Finally, I close the Lithuanian chapter of my blog with a few scattered photos of things I found whilst looking for nothing.  Including: 

An artisan's lodge and the man who made everything, EVERYTHING, out of wood. 

The central town square 

The creepy headless woman.

And a high-school aged band who really knew how to play American blues.  

So Vilnius really is a city after my own heart.  Give it a chance; you won't be disappointed.