Ostalgie never really caught on with the Lithuanians, which is a shame because Lithuania boasts some fine examples of Soviet architecture and design to entice potential new visitors in abundance. Those toying with the idea of coming with the intention of Soviet sightseeing should take note however that the situation is changing fairly rapidly. Hammers and sickles have almost entirely vanished in Vilnius with the exception of a tiny one on the northeastern Green Bridge (Žaliasis Tiltas) statue plus a few tell-tale marks where they once graced the sides of State buildings. Structures of note include the imposing rows of socialist-realist monstrosities at the western end of Gedimino and the minimalist concrete curves of the Wedding Palace (Santuokų Rūmai) on top of the hill close to the green onion domes of the Church of Sts. Michael & Constantine. Beautiful, Soviet-era designs can also be found inside the capital’s Neringa restaurant, and, last but not least, you can still enjoy the full unpleasantness of the Soviet service industry courtesy of a frighteningly large percentage of the country’s shop assistants, public transport employees and waiting staff.
