Dating from the 13th century the castle was rebuilt in 1419 by Grand Duke Vytautas following the great fire of Vilnius. In 1610 it was used as a prison for the ruling classes, and during the 1655-1661 Russian occupation the towers and defensive walls were almost completely destroyed, with serious albeit only partial restoration work beginning (presumably by the Poles) as late as 1930. Inside the tower itself find models of the castle as it was in the 14th and 18th centuries plus other miscellaneous bits and pieces concerned with the building’s history and knights in dented armour. The view on a good day is recommended. The walk to the top is a bit of a struggle for many, although there are benches thoughtfully provided along the way. Alternatively, use the funicular-type train (tickets 3/2Lt) which runs up and down the hill’s northern slope. Find it hidden in a courtyard immediately west of the Applied Art Museum on Arsenalo.

Admission 5/2Lt.