Literatu Street, Vilnius

Literatu Street, Vilnius

Literatu Street is a popular destination for Lithuanian and foreign tourists. It is considered one of the must-visit places in Vilnius due to its rich history and cultural significance. The street is named after the Lithuanian poet Adomas Mickevičius who lived there during the first half of the 19th century.

In 2008, a group of artists came up with the idea of revitalizing the street by decorating it with works of art related to authors. The walls of the street have been adorned with metal, wood, and glass effigies, as well as other plaques and pieces dedicated to various authors. The Modern Art Centre is also located on Literatu Street, making it a hub for contemporary art in Vilnius.

Historically, the street was known by different names. In documents from the end of the 18th century, it was called Mykolas Alley. In the middle of the 19th century, a new name appeared - Pokrovo - which was associated with the Pokrovo Church (current Ministry of Education) that once stood at the end of Literatu Street from the 14th to 16th centuries. The street received its current name only at the beginning of the 20th century due to the printing houses and bookshops operating there.

Another version of the street name is related to Adomas Mickevičius. On this street, he rented an apartment in the attic of a four-story house. The poet lived there during the events of 1823 when the Philomaths were arrested in Vilnius, before being arrested himself in October and taken to prison at the Basilian Monastery. Therefore, the street was named after him to honor his contribution to Lithuanian literature.

Overall, Literatu Street is a fascinating blend of art, culture, and history. Visitors can explore the street, admire the art installations, and learn about the various writers who have left their mark on Lithuanian literature.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vilnius. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Literatu Street on Map

Sight Name: Literatu Street
Sight Location: Vilnius, Lithuania (See walking tours in Vilnius)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Vilnius, Lithuania

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