Gediminas Tower

Gediminas Tower is the surviving red-brick keep of the upper castle on the hill above Vilnius cathedral, the emblem of the city and the founding legend of its name. A short climb or a funicular ride reaches it, and the terrace beside it gives the classic panorama over the baroque old town.

What you actually see

• The tower - the medieval red-brick keep and its small museum.
• The old town panorama - church spires and red roofs spread below.
• The castle hill - the earthworks and remains of the upper castle.
• Cathedral Square below - the white cathedral and bell tower at the foot.

When to go

A clear day for the view; sunset warms the old town roofs. Year-round, with the funicular helping in ice or for those who would rather not climb.

Honest expectations

The tower itself is small and the museum modest - people come for the view more than the interior. The path up is short but steep and slippery in wet or icy weather, though the funicular avoids it. The terrace is popular, so expect company at sunset.

Nearby

Cathedral Square is directly below; the whole old town spreads out beneath the hill.