„Castles of Vilnius“ 

The history of Lithuania is closely tied to Vilnius Castle as this was where the political, administrative, cultural, and economic life of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was centred from the 14th century. The court of the Grand Duke of Lithuania dictated the fashions and paved the way for new cultural trends, which were then spread throughout the rest of Lithuania. These new trends were reflected in the architecture, music, theatre, clothing, and even the type of dishes served.

The stone-walled Vilnius Castle historically comprised of both the Upper and Lower castles. The stone remains of the Upper Castle on Gediminas’ Hill can still be seen today. Vilnius’ Lower Castle expanded over an area of several hectares to the north, and along the western and south-western slopes of Gediminas’ Hill. Only a small part of the historical buildings that were located within the Lower Castle’s territory can be seen today: the Vilnius Arch-Cathedral, the belfry (formerly the castle’s defence tower), the New and Old arsenals, and the castle-keeper’s house.

In the album "Lietuvos didžiųjų kunigaikščių rezidencija Vilniuje" is presented numerous architectural details, such as door and window architraves and ceilings, cornices, floor tiles, roof tiles, remains of weapons, jewelery, clothing items, and everyday household items of the Castles of Vilnius. The studies of these materials laid the foundation for the palace restoration project that commenced in 2002 and the palace's opening was to mark the commemoration of 1,000 years since Lithuania’s name was first mentioned in written sources.

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Summary in English and Russian