The symbol of the city of Vilnius, Gediminas Tower is virtually all that remains of the once-mighty Upper Castle. Rebuilt by Grand Duke Vytautus in the 15th century, the defensive tower was used as an aristocratic prison in 1610, before everything around it was destroyed by the Russians between 1655-1661. Restoration work began in 1930 and today the tower houses an exhibition explaining the history of Vilnius' castles. You'll also see scale models, ammunition and arms but the real attraction is the view from the parapet over the Old Town and the Hill of Crosses. And now you don't have to wear yourself out on the winding path to the hilltop - take the spiffy funicular and save your strength for the 78 stairs inside the actual tower. Museum open 10:00-17:00; closed Monday.
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