Discover Lithuania

“Stroll through a city where European comfort fuses with the medieval past to form a medley of arts, culture and contemporary urban venues", Searching for Unique

Photo credit: Chad O'Hare

Top three sites:

Vilnius University: Latin words invoked my imagination, encouraging all those who read its message to push themselves beyond their perceived bounds: “Courage illuminated the old world with new light. This is the house of Urania: begone, everyday cares! We turn our backs on humble Earth, from here we rise to the stars.” 

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania: The palace’s exterior of white walls, rigid corners and a slate roof establish authority and control. Inside, its softer stance becomes evident. Partially restored walls, cellars and remnants of the fortified and frequently renovated palace transform from its archaic foundations into colonial opulence on higher floors. 

Gate of Dawn: We caught a glimpse of the tiny chapel through an open archway visible from the street below. A bridge-like walkway formed a sanctuary that connected buildings on either side of the street. Two rows of people scrunched in its narrow hall and prayed. They stood by a golden plaque of the Virgin Mary from the sixteenth century. Rays emanated from her bowed head, heavy under a head scarf of gold.

Excerpts taken from my newly released book, Searching for Unique.

Best bakery cafe: Crustum

More experiences through the Baltics and other unique destinations around the world are revealed in Searching for Unique, available at most online bookstores in paperback or as an eBook.