Wall of Vilnius
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Suba%C4%8Dius_gate.Vilnius.Lithuania.jpg/220px-Suba%C4%8Dius_gate.Vilnius.Lithuania.jpg)
The Vilnius city wall was a defensive wall around Vilnius, capital city of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was built between 1503 and 1522 for protection from the attacks by the Crimean Khanate at the beginning of the Muscovite–Lithuanian Wars. The stone and brick wall was a key element of the defensive system of Vilnius, and was paid for by the city's landowners. It contained nine gates and an artillery bastion.[1] Some of the original constructions have survived.
- Subačius Gate was built at the end of what is now Holly Spirit street.
- was built near the Vilnia River in the eastern side of city.
- stood near Cathedral Square in Vilnius.
- stood at the corner of Liejykla and Totoriai street.
- stood at the corner of Vilnius and Bernardinai street.
- was built at the corner of Trakai and Pylimas streets. It was the main gate of the city and contained (as did the Gate of Dawn) a chapel.
- stood at the end of the Rūdininkai street.
- Medininkai Gate guarded the entrance to the southern part of the city. It is now known as the Gate of Dawn.
An artillery bastion was built to protect the eastern side of the city. It is currently a museum of militaria from Vilnius and is under renovation.
Following the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian government ordered to tear down most of the wall and all the gates, except the Gate of Dawn. Some parts of the wall are still visible throughout the Old Town of Vilnius or are going to be restored and displayed.
References[]
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- ^ Вялікае Княства Літоўскае. Энцыклапедыя Т. 1: Абаленскі — Кадэнцыя. — Мінск: Беларуская Энцыклапедыя, 2005. — 684 с.: іл. ISBN 985-11-0314-4., старонка 436—437
- (in Lithuanian) Ragauskienė, R.; Antanavičius, D; Burba, D.; ir kt. Vilniaus žemutinė pilis XIV a. – XIX a. pradžioje: 2002–2004 m. istorinių šaltinių paieškos. Vilnius. 2006
Coordinates: 54°40′27″N 25°17′22″E / 54.674265°N 25.28955°E
- Lithuanian building and structure stubs
- Buildings and structures in Vilnius
- History of Vilnius
- City walls