Vilnius University Ensemble Courtyards

Vilnius University, founded in 1579, occupies a magnificent ensemble of buildings centered around 13 interconnected courtyards in the heart of the Old Town. Walking through this complex is like a journey through five centuries of European architecture, as each courtyard reveals a different era and style. Highlights include the Observatory Courtyard with its astronomical instruments, the magnificent frescoes in the Grand Hall, the Church of Sts. Johns with its soaring tower, and the beautiful library — one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. The university continues to function as an active academic institution, adding a lively atmosphere.