Gedimin's Tower

Gedimin Tower is a cultural, historical and architectural monument in Vilnius. It rises 48 m from the foot of the Castle Mountain (142 m above sea level). Made in the Gothic style, the tower is a powerful 3-storey octagonal structure.

The tower bears the name of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gedimin, who is considered the founder of Vilnius. Presumably, it was he who initiated the structure of the tower, however, according to some historical versions, the buildings on the site of the tower existed before Gedimin, in the XIII century.

One way or another, the tower was of great defensive importance for Vilnius and was part of a huge fortress designed to defend the city in case of attack. After the warrior of the XVII century, Gedimin’s Tower remained the only surviving building of the once powerful Upper City.

Today, the tower houses a branch of the Lithuanian National Museum with an exposition dedicated to the history of the city. The observation deck at the top offers a magnificent view of the historical center of Vilnius.