Off we went this morning, back to the Gediminas Avenue markets, as they were so extensive that we didn’t finish the full stretch yesterday! Again we felt compelled to sample some Lithuanian food (ignoring the hint as to what the food might consist of), then headed up the cobbled path to Gediminas tower for commanding views over the city and the Neris River. This arsenal tower was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th and the adjoining castle, dating back to the 14th century, is currently undergoing renovation
We continued on through Bernadine Gardens, yet another beautiful park, passing a musical fountain which rises and ebbs in time with accompanying vocal and orchestral music. We came to the Uzupis “republic”, an area of Vilnius which light-heartedly proclaimed its independence from the rest of Vilnius in 2002. It is a haven for artists and Bohemians and features its Bronze Angel monument, also sculpted in 2002, in the main square. Nearby there is an opportunity for passers-by to be photographed beneath angel wings.
From there we walked up to the Bastion Walls, dating from the early 17th century, then to the Halle Market and on past a beautiful palace that has been restored and is now used as an embassy, then past the last synagogue in Vilnius. Last stop for the day was the huge supermarket to pick up supplies for a paella tonight, and to again drool over the cakes and pastries,then the walk "home", past yet another small statue on a nearby corner.
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