Bernardinai Garden, Vilnius

The Bernardine Garden in Vilnius is a beautiful public park located on the right bank of the Vilnia River. Covering over 9 hectares, it offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. The park's territory is divided into three main sections: the botanic exposition, the monastery exposition, and other recreational territories.

The botanic exposition is the perfect place for those who love plants. It features various plants sorted by groups and classes. In the centre of this exposition is a small pool containing sacred water plants. The monastery exposition is dedicated to medicinal herbs, potherbs, and edible and tea plants. It also features a small fountain in the centre and a pergola covered in climbing plants.

The rest of the park offers a range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. There are two fountains in the park, with the main one located in the centre of the Bernardine garden. During weekends in the warm period of the year, the fountain works all day. On workdays, it operates only from 9 pm to 10 pm as a light and music show. There is also a rockery, a carousel, a playing ground for children, a giant chessboard, and checkers and chess tables. In addition, during the warm period of the year, visitors can enjoy different expositions of sculptures.

Bernardine Garden was created in 1469 after the Lithuanian pagan saint oaks wood was cut down when Christianity was introduced. The Bernardine monks rearranged the territory and organized various events. However, in 1864 the Russian tsarist government closed the Bernardine garden. It was recovered by the townspeople about twenty years later and reconstructed according to the A. V. Strauss and Jakub Jasiński project. During World War II, the garden was destroyed, but it was reconstructed for the second time under Soviet rule and renamed Jaunimo sodas ("The Youth Garden"). In 2013, it was reconstructed for the third time, and it is now one of the most attractive public parks in the Vilnius Old Town.

The Bernardine Garden in Vilnius is a must-visit destination for those who love nature, history, and recreational activities. Its diverse range of attractions offers something for everyone, and its rich history adds to its charm.