- Cathedral Square in Vilnius
The Cathedral Square ( _lt. Katedros aikštė) in
Vilnius is the main square of the city's downtown, right in front of the neo-classicalVilnius 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. Regularly held at this site arefair s and gatherings of townspeople, militaryparade s, religious and official public events, attractions and large concerts,New Year ’ssalute s and exhibitions. It is not merely the most lively and important location in thecity , but is also one of the most significant and widely-knownsymbols of Lithuania .Details
The cathedral square was founded as late as 19th century, during the reconstruction and refurbishment of the cathedral. Previously, the area was densely populated and built up with medieval and renaissance houses. Parts of the area were also occupied by the Lower Castle. Following the creation of a new square it became the main open space of the city's centre. It was there that the Russian
military parade s were held and where the annual St. Casimir's Fair was held. In 1905 a monument toCatherine the Great (byMark Antokolski ) was erected. After the city was occupied by Germany in 1915 and the local Polish administration was allowed to govern the city, the monument was destroyed and theSt. Casimir 's Fair was moved to the Łukiszki Square (Lukiškės Square ). In modern times, fairs and festivities are regularly held at the site. It is there that the tallestChristmas tree in the city is erected, as well as a number of other Christmas decorations. It is also there that the yearly public celebrations ofNew Years Eve are held.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 ofItaly . According to many scholars,ref|Klos the tower was in fact one of the towers of the ancientcity 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.Other notable feature of the square is the monument to
Gediminas , one of the first rulers ofLithuania , byVytautas Kašuba , uncovered in 1996. Interestingly, thebronze used for the monument was donated by Lithuanian border guards who confiscated it on the border. The marble sockle was a gift of the government ofUkraine , while the sculpture itself was cast free of charge inTallinn . Nearby is a "magical place", a small stone marking the place where, according to a localurban legend , the human chain ofBaltic Way was started linking Vilnius withRiga and Tallinn, an event that marked the beginning of national liberation of theBaltic States . It is believed that if a person steps on this stone and turns around three times, his or her wish will be granted.The paving of the square has been extensively renovated in 2000. The new tiles were made of light
granite . Excavated remains of former fortifications of the Lower Castle have been highlighted in the paving by using red-couloured granite.Notes
# cite book | first =Juliusz | last= Kłos | authorlink= Juliusz Kłos| title ="Wilno; przewodnik krajoznawczy Juljusza Kłosa" | year =1929, 1991 | publisher =Wydawnictwo Wileńskiego Oddziału PTTK (reprinted by Gdańska Oficyna Wydawnicza) | location = Wilno| id =ISBN 83-85067-02-7
References
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