This trip was the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. The spring school break finally gave us the opportunity to set off and explore the unique world of the Baltic states. The first stop on the trip was Vilnius, where we were immediately impressed by the cleanliness and elegance of the city center. We walked a lot through the cobblestone streets and quickly realized that the Lithuanian capital is not only beautiful, but also has an impressive gastronomy.
One of our most memorable experiences was tasting the local specialty, Cepelinai. This filling dish got its name from the Zeppelin airship because of its shape. During its preparation, grated raw potatoes and boiled mashed potatoes are mixed, from which an elastic dough is kneaded. This mass is filled with spicy minced meat, then the dumplings are boiled in hot water. When served, they are generously drizzled with sour cream and bacon-onion sauce, which makes them truly special.
While walking, we also came across a special installation near the train station. It is a structure called Portal, which uses a huge, circular screen and a camera to create a real-time connection with a distant city. We learned that on the other side of the image, the residents of Lublin, Poland can be seen, so we could wave to the locals live while they were watching us. The next day, we took a bus to the next stop on our journey, Riga.
Lithuania’s history dates back to the 13th century, when King Mindaugas united the Lithuanian tribes. In the Middle Ages, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania became one of the largest states in Europe, with its territory stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. During this period, Lithuania was the last pagan power on the continent to successfully resist the attacks of the knightly orders.
At the end of the 14th century, the country entered into a union with Poland, which determined its development for the following centuries. This alliance created a vast Central European empire, where the Lithuanian nobility adopted elements of Polish culture and Catholicism. This golden age ended in the late 18th century, when neighboring powers divided the territory among themselves, and Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire.
The 20th century brought dramatic changes for the country. After World War I, Lithuania regained its independence in 1918, but during World War II it was occupied first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. After the war, it existed as a Soviet republic for decades, but the population maintained a spirit of national resistance and a desire for freedom.
In the late 1980s, Lithuania took the lead in Baltic independence movements. In 1990, it became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence, which it defended in a heroic struggle against Soviet tanks. Since 2004, the country has been a member of the European Union and NATO, and has now become one of the most modern and fastest growing economies in the region.
The founding of Vilnius is surrounded by a famous legend, according to which Grand Duke Gediminas saw an iron wolf howling on a hill in a dream. According to the prince’s advisor, this meant that a castle and a city should be founded there, the fame of which would spread throughout the world. The city was first mentioned in writing in 1323, when Gediminas sent letters to Western European merchants and craftsmen inviting them to the new capital.
The city became an important cultural and religious center in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The famous Vilnius University was founded here in 1579, which became one of the most important scientific institutions in the region. The city’s architecture was heavily influenced by Italian Baroque, resulting in the spectacular Old Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which we enjoyed walking around.
In modern times, Vilnius has suffered greatly from wars and political repression, but it has always maintained its diversity. For centuries, the city has been a meeting point for Lithuanian, Polish, Jewish and Belarusian cultures. Today, Vilnius is a vibrant, friendly European metropolis that proudly preserves its historical monuments.
