Žaliasis Tiltas (Green Bridge), Vilnius

The Green Bridge (Žaliasis Tiltas) is a bridge over the Neris River. It is the oldest bridge in the city and connects city center with The Green Bridge in Vilnius is an iconic landmark that connects the city center with the district of Šnipiškės, spanning across the Neris River. The original bridge was built in 1536 and was made of wood with brick and stone piers. The bridge had a unique design with a second floor that included apartments for toll collectors. It was constructed by Ulryk Hozjusz who received a privilege from Grand Duke Sigismund the Old, prohibiting others from building any other bridges or offering crossing services in the area.

However, the original bridge was burned down by the Lithuanian Army in 1655, after the Battle of Vilnius. A new bridge was planned in 1673, which was supposed to have the longest span between piers at the time, but it was destroyed by an ice jam. The piers from the first bridge were then reused to build the second bridge, which was completed in 1679.

In 1739, a new wooden bridge was erected and painted green, and since then it has been known as the Green Bridge. However, the wooden bridge was not successful, and it burned down multiple times, first in 1791, then again on orders from Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly during the French invasion of Russia in 1812.

The current Green Bridge was completed in 1952, and it was named after Soviet General Ivan Chernyakhovsky. However, after Lithuania declared its independence in 1990, the bridge was returned to its historical name. The present-day bridge is a modern steel construction that has become an essential part of the city's infrastructure, connecting the city center with one of the most significant districts in Vilnius. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the city and the river.