Gedimino Palace, Vilnius

Gedimino Palace, Vilnius

Gedimino Palace is a historic building located in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania. It was built in 1893 and has played an important role in the political, administrative, and cultural history of the country. The palace was originally constructed as a residence for the Governor-General of Vilnius, but it has had many different functions throughout its long history.

One of the most significant periods in the history of Gedimino Palace was during the time when it served as the headquarters for the Central Committee of the Lithuanian Communist Party. During this time, the palace was the center of political power in Lithuania, and many important decisions were made within its walls. The Communist Party used the palace as its headquarters until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Before its time as the Communist Party headquarters, Gedimino Palace was the political, administrative, and cultural center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for over four centuries. The palace was the residence of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and was also used for important state events and ceremonies. Many important historical figures, including kings, queens, and diplomats, visited the palace throughout its long history.

Today, Gedimino Palace has been transformed into the newest shopping mall in Vilnius, called G9. While the building's exterior has been preserved to maintain its historical significance, the interior has been completely modernized to create a vibrant and modern shopping experience. The mall offers a wide range of stores and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Overall, Gedimino Palace is an important piece of Lithuanian history that has played many different roles throughout the centuries. While it may no longer serve as the center of political power, it continues to be an important landmark in Vilnius and a popular destination for those who are interested in the country's rich cultural heritage.

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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Gedimino Palace on Map

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

Walking Tours in Vilnius, Lithuania

Create Your Own Walk in Vilnius

Create Your Own Walk in Vilnius

Creating your own self-guided walk in Vilnius is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Užupis District Walking Tour

Užupis District Walking Tour

A tiny isolated area and a former suburb, which now forms part of the Old Town of Vilnius, the Uzupis district is often compared, for its bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere, to Montmartre of Paris and Freetown Christiania of Copenhagen. Similarly to the latter, in 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic; the tongue-in-cheek constitution of the self-proclaimed “republic”,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour

Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour

The historic and present-day capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is known for the architecture in its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

The name of the city originates from the River Vilnia (which is the Lithuanian for “ripple”). According to legend, Grand Duke Gediminas (c. 1275–1341), having hunted near the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers, saw a dream in which a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Historical Churches Tour

Historical Churches Tour

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts a wealth of gorgeous churches featuring diverse architectural styles – Gothic, Baroque, to mention but a few. Many of the local churches are historical, having witnessed centuries of events and become iconic landmarks of the Lithuanian capital.

One of the most famous temples in Vilnius...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles