Gediminas Castle Tower

About

Gediminas Castle Tower is one of Vilnius’ most iconic landmarks, perched atop Gediminas Hill and offering panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and historic skyline. Originally part of the Upper Castle complex, the tower dates back to the early 15th century, built in brick under Grand Duke Vytautas following earlier wooden fortifications established by Grand Duke Gediminas. Reconstructed in 1933 and restored multiple times since, the three-storey tower now houses a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions on the history of Vilnius’ castles, medieval weaponry, and Baltic jewellery, while the upper floors feature interactive displays and a visual timeline of the city’s evolution. The tower is also a powerful national symbol—its rooftop was the site where the Lithuanian flag was re-hoisted in 1988 during the independence movement. Accessible by foot or funicular, Gediminas Castle Tower blends legend, history, and national pride, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Vilnius Lithuania

Location

Gediminas Castle Tower is located atop Gediminas Hill in central Vilnius, at Arsenalo g. 5, adjacent to Cathedral Square and on the edge of the Old Town. This iconic brick Gothic tower is the last remaining part of the Upper Castle and stands as a symbol of Vilnius and Lithuania, offering panoramic views over the city, the Neris River, and the red rooftops of the historic center. The tower houses a museum with exhibitions on the history of Vilnius castles, military artifacts, and interactive displays about the city’s evolution from the 14th century to the present. Nearby, you’ll find Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square just at the base of the hill, as well as the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the National Museum of Lithuania, and the picturesque Bernardine Gardens. The tower is easily accessible by foot via a short uphill path or by funicular from the Old Arsenal courtyard, making it a central and unmissable landmark for anyone exploring Vilnius’s historic and cultural heart.