LITHUANIA - CITIES

Kaunas

Freedom Avenue (Laisvės Alėja) is the main street of Kaunas meant for pedestrians. It is believed to be the longest pedestrian walkway in Europe. Commercial outlets are concentrated here as well as government institutions and universities. Because it is a primary place to visit, here various performances and exhibitions are organized. Some people call it a “podium” because young women and men from the outer regions of the city come here to show themselves off. The length of the walkway is 1,621 m. It begins in Old Town on Vilniaus Street, and shoots straight to the street’s most obvious accent – Sobor of Garrison.

The street was already being formed in the second half of the 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century. The architecture of the buildings along the walkway is ascribed to Eclectic epoch or “between the wars” modernism. The street was meant for vehicles and pedestrians: a median planted with two rows of trees made a walkway for pedestrians. More than 20 years ago the walkway was reconstructed. At this time the walkway is meant for pedestrians only. In its “heart”, its centre stands, a fountain frequently used for dates and for city guests who use it as a meeting place if they get lost.

Beautiful stamps.

Received from: anittta

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city. The first known written record of Vilnius as the Lithuanian capital is known from Gediminas' letters in 1323. Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture. There are 65 churches in Vilnius. Like most medieval towns, Vilnius was developed around its Town Hall. The main artery, Pilies Street, links the Royal Palace with Town Hall. Other streets meander through the palaces of feudal lords and landlords, churches, shops and craftsmen's workrooms. Narrow, curved streets and intimate courtyards developed in the radial layout of medieval Vilnius. Vilnius Old Town, the historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe (3.6 km²). The Cathedral of Vilnius is the main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania. It is situated in Vilnius Old Town, just off of Cathedral Square. The picture was painted by Šarūnas Miškinis.

A nice stamp.

Received from: Pablomaniac

 

Vilnius - Bell Tower

The Cathedral Square in Vilnius is the main square of the city's downtown, right in front of the neo-classical Vilnius Cathedral. It is a key location in city's public life, situated as it is at the crossing of the city's main streets and reflecting the city's diversity. One of the most distinctive features of the square is the Cathedral's bell tower, situated several yards from the cathedral itself, a thing uncommon outside of Italy. According to many scholars, the tower was in fact one of the towers of the ancient city walls of the mediæval Lower Castle that once stood near the modern square. According to another version, not supported by modern historians, the base of the tower was in fact a small pagan temple, demolished and then turned into the bell tower. Regardless of its origins, the lower parts of the tower are mediæval, with several small loop-holes preserved. Its oldest underground square section was built in the 13th century on the bottom of the old riverbed. Upper parts of the tower were added in 18th century while the neo-classical finish was added in 19th century, during the reconstruction of the cathedral.

 

A beautiful stamp. 

Received from: Kalise