Užupis
Užupis features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Vilnius. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type square
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Vilnius Vilnius guide
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About Užupis
A bohemian district across the Vilnia river that jokingly declared itself a republic on April Fools' Day 1997, complete with a constitution, an angel and its own cheerful mythology.
Užupis is a district of Vilnius east of the Old Town, separated from it by the Vilnia (Vilnelė) river; its name means "the other side of the river." Under Soviet rule it was a neglected, run-down quarter that drew artists and squatters, and it later gentrified into a creative district. It covers roughly 0.6 square kilometres and has about 7,000 residents, close to a thousand of them said to be artists. The area was historically a largely Jewish neighbourhood, a heritage mostly destroyed during and after the Second World War.
On 1 April 1997 residents proclaimed a tongue-in-cheek "Republic of Užupis," with a flag, an anthem, a currency and a president. Recognised by no government, it is best understood as an artistic gesture rather than a real state. The Constitution of Užupis, written by Romas Lileikis and Tomas Čepaitis, appears on mirrored metal plaques along Paupio Street. The bronze Užupis Angel, unveiled on 1 April 2002, stands on a column in the district's main square.
Did you know? The Constitution of Užupis is displayed on mirrored metal plaques along Paupio Street, translated into more than twenty languages; Sanskrit and Hindi versions were added on the twenty-fifth of May 2017.
How long is a visit to Užupis?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Užupis. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Užupis worth your time?
Užupis is among the 21 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Vilnius, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Vilnius
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Užupis and read more:
Day 2 of the Vilnius in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Užupis
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