Gediminas' Tower

Overview

Gediminas' Tower is the remaining western tower of the Upper Castle, perched atop Castle Hill at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers. This iconic red-brick octagonal tower, dating from the 15th century, houses a museum on Vilnius's history and offers the best panoramic viewpoint in the city. It is the most recognizable symbol of Vilnius and of Lithuania itself.

Highlights

• Panoramic views: 360-degree vistas stretching across the Old Town, modern skyline, and surrounding hills from the upper platform.
• Museum exhibition: Displays on the castle complex's history, archaeological finds, and scale models of the medieval fortifications.
• Lithuanian flag tradition: The tower permanently flies the national tricolour — its raising here in 1988 was a key moment of the independence movement.

History

The wooden Upper Castle was first built by Grand Duke Gediminas around 1323, when he moved the capital from Trakai to Vilnius. The brick tower was constructed in the 15th century and survived multiple sieges. Damaged during the 1655 Muscovite invasion, it fell into ruin and was restored in the 1930s and again in the 2000s.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Take the funicular railway up to save energy; walk down through the park for views of the Church of St. Anne.
• Tip 2: Visit near sunset for the best photographs and warm light over the Old Town.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes including the museum.