Literatų Street

About

Tucked away in Vilnius Old Town, Literatų Street is a charming and unconventional tribute to writers with ties to Lithuania. This narrow pedestrian lane, named in the 19th century—possibly in honour of poet Adam Mickiewicz who once lived there—has become an open-air gallery celebrating literary heritage. Since 2009, when Vilnius was named European Capital of Culture, the street’s walls have been adorned with over 200 small artworks dedicated to authors from Lithuania and beyond. Each plaque is unique, crafted from materials like metal, wood, glass, or ceramic, and often features portraits, quotes, or symbolic objects. The result is a vibrant mosaic of literary homage that invites visitors to pause, reflect, and explore. While some plaques honour internationally known figures, others spotlight lesser-known voices, making the street both a cultural landmark and a discovery trail. Literatų Street is more than a visual delight—it’s a poetic intersection of art, memory, and identity in the heart of Vilnius.

Vilnius Lithuania

Location

Literatų Street is a charming, pedestrian-only lane in Vilnius Old Town, starting near 32 Pilies Street, the city’s main historic thoroughfare. Famous for its open-air gallery, the street’s walls are adorned with over 200 small plaques and art installations dedicated to writers, poets, translators, and literary figures connected to Vilnius or Lithuania. This evolving collection, begun in 2009 when Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture, features works in metal, glass, wood, and ceramics, turning the street into a vibrant tribute to literature and creativity. The street’s name is linked either to its historic printing houses and bookstores or to the celebrated poet Adam Mickiewicz, who lived here in 1823. Nearby, visitors can easily access Pilies Street’s cafes and shops, the Modern Art Centre, and key Old Town attractions such as St. Anne’s Church and the Bernardine Garden, making Literatų Street a must-visit for art, history, and literature lovers.