Trip Plan X

Visiting Užupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

Located in the center of Vilnius, bounded on three sides by the river Vilnia, Užupis is not only a mini district in the capital of Lithuania, but also a self-proclaimed independent republic since 1997.

It is definitely worth adding Užupis to your sightseeing trip in Vilnius as Užupis is a small neighborhood and you can explore it on foot in a short time. As we describe a small, it’s only 0.6 km² district on the edge of the old town of Vilnius, and around 7000 people live here. It was also referred to as the "Republic of Artists" because of the large number of artists living there.

The Republic of Užupis

The Republic of Užupis can actually be considered a concept similar to Christiania in Copenhagen or Metelkova in Ljulbjana, but definitely less politicized. This is where you can freely express your artistic talent making it a place where art, creativity, love and peace prevail over time.

The neighborhood was once inhabited mainly by Jews since the sixteenth century. This place was heavily destroyed during the Soviet era and its remains were practically abandoned. This was an area that can be called the Red-Light District of the period as the empty houses were occupied by prostitutes, homeless, underprivileged people, drunkards and poor craftsmen.

When Lithuania declared independence in 1990, the area started to change into a livable place with the efforts of some artists and intellectuals who, attracted by low prices, began to settle here slowly and opened workshops and galleries. Užupis is one of the most prestigious and expensive areas of Vilnius today.

Užupis is an informal republic. In other words, it is not considered officially independent by the Lithuanian government or other official institutions, but his does not seem to prevent them from forming their own constitution, four national flags for each season and even a president. Originally, Užupis also had an army of 12 people. Moreover, this republic also has own currency, called užas. Užas equals one euro and is printed on the banknote that makes it always possible to buy a beer for užas.

Užupis means "across the river" and the river of Vilnia or Vilnele, as the residents call it, plays an important role. Vilnia river separates Užupis, a district in the eastern part of Vilnius from the rest of the Lithuanian capital. It also forms the border of the independent Republic of Užupis.

Visiting Uzupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

If you come from the old town, you can only enter Užupis by crossing over the bridge over the river. As soon as you arrive, you can see the sign "Užupio Res Publika" at the entrance and the flag of Užupis Republic welcomes you. Between these two bridges you will find the numerous padlocks of the love left there by the various newlyweds of the city and many bizarre works of art.

You will find the Užupio Kavinė, a red brick restaurant and café with the flag of Užupis flying, serving as both a bar and a parliament. This is also a place where Romas Lileikis, musician, film director and President of the Republic was based. You can have the stamp stamped on the piece of paper, in the passport or even on the back of your hand in the café Užupis Kavinė all year round. There you can also see an important sculpture for the Republic of Užupis which is the little mermaid, who sits longingly and playfully over the river and looks up to the sky.

Visiting Uzupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

A little further up the street you will find the square of the republic with the bronze angel statue playing the trumpet. The statue is quite tall, as if protecting Užupis. This is also one of the symbolic characters of Užupis, which represents the renewal of the district and the new artistic freedom. Since then, Užupis has also been called the "republic of angels". There are also a few cafes and restaurants around the square. You can spend time in this area.

Visiting Uzupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

If you go to the right from the square on the Paupio street, you will see a wall on which the 41 articles of the Užupis Constitution embedded on metal boards. The constitution was written by Romas Lileikis, former president of Užupis. The constitution is also translated in many different languages.

Visiting Uzupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

We think everyone should read this nature-friendly, self-consistent constitution. The last three items form the motto of the neighborhood.

This is the Constitution of the Užupis Republic written in English:

  1. Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnele, and the River Vilnele has the right to flow by everyone.
  2. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
  3. Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
  4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
  5. Everyone has the right to be unique.
  6. Everyone has the right to love.
  7. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
  8. Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
  9. Everyone has the right to idle.
  10. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
  11. Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
  12. A dog has the right to be a dog.
  13. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
  14. Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
  15. Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
  16. Everyone has the right to be happy.
  17. Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
  18. Everyone has the right to be silent.
  19. Everyone has the right to have faith.
  20. No one has the right to violence.
  21. Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
  22. No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
  23. Everyone has the right to understand.
  24. Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
  25. Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
  26. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
  27. Everyone shall remember their name.
  28. Everyone may share what they possess.
  29. No one can share what they do not possess.
  30. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
  31. Everyone may be independent.
  32. Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
  33. Everyone has the right to cry.
  34. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
  35. No one has the right to make another person guilty.
  36. Everyone has the right to be individual.
  37. Everyone has the right to have no rights.
  38. Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
  39. Do not defeat.
  40. Do not fight back.
  41. Do not surrender.

Užupis has proclaimed its own republic on April 1, 1997, therefore, the independence of the Republic of Užupis is now celebrated every year on the first day of April that is the April Fool's Day. Of course, the independent republic is not to be taken too seriously. On this day, they hold elections and costumed parades. Currently, fashion festivals, concerts and many organized activities are also held here.

In Užupis, there are many small shops and boutiques where you can find exceptional offerings. There are also cafés, pubs, restaurants and even gyms and libraries.

Visiting Uzupis - Independent Republic in Vilnius

How to get there

The only way to enter Užupis is on foot. Užupis is in fact easily reachable both from Vilnius Cathedral square and from the historical center, since many signs now indicate its direction. There are several entrances and you can cross by 7 bridges to reach Užupis. The most popular can be crossed along Maironio Street which runs for a few hundred meters along the Vilnia River.

Užupis Tour

You can join Discover Vilnius Tour led by an expert local guide to explore the old town of Vilnius and the bohemian Republic of Užupis to see the main sights and discover its hidden secrets.

Where to sleep in Užupis

There are numerous good accommodations in Užupis but most of them are apartments. It is often recommended to choose the hotel close to the old city center.

Where to sleep in Uzupis

Some of the best rated apartments in Užupis:

Angel Wing Apartamentai: Housed in a renovated historical building, the apartments are decorated in a luxurious contemporary style and provide a spacious living area with full facilities.

Igo apartment Užupis: The apartment has 1 bedroom, a TV with cable channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a fridge, a stovetop, and a washing machine.

Užupis apartments - Old Town: The apartment come with a living room, a seating area with a sofa, a TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. 

For visiting Užupis, you can also stay at one of the best hotels in Vilnius or choose the place to stay at some of the best neighborhoods in Lithuanian capital.

Tips

Need some inspiration for your next Europe adventure? Check out these indisputable reasons to visit Lithuania!

Not only Užupis is a must-see sightseeing attraction in Vilnius, there are many other attractions in Vilnius that are worth to be in your to-do list.

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