Discover the "Jerusalem of Lithuania" through its good times and bad while wandering around the streets of the former Jewish Quarter in Vilnius Old Town.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Starting time 10:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the narrow winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter
- Learn why Vilnius became known as "Jerusalem of Lithuania"
- Hear the fascinating life-story of the famous Jewish scholar Vilna Gaon
- Visit the only surviving synagogue in Vilnius
- Find out what is left of the Great Synagogue of Vilna
Full description
Meet your guide on the stairs of Vilnius town hall and be introduced to the Jewish history of Vilnius. After getting to know your walking tour group and having a short overview of Jewish history in the city, the guide will take you through the narrow winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter to talk about Jewish life in Vilnius before World War II.
Gaze at photos of the past, depicting what was once a vibrant Jewish community in Vilnius. After this, you will go to see the site of the Great Synagogue of Vilna and the area where Vilna Gaon used to live. Learn how during World War II the Jewish quarter was divided into two ghettos. Visit both ghettos and learn about Nazi rule in Vilnius. After this, learn about the fate of the Vilnius Jewish community during the communist era and after the independence of Lithuania.
If it's open, have the chance to visit the Vilnius Choral Synagogue. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to the area of the Big Ghetto to finish your tour near the Jewish Cultural and Information Centre for further exploration or bring you back to the starting point of the tour.
Includes
- Guided walking tour
- Entrance to Vilnius Choral Synagogue (1€ fee)
- Gratuities
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Look for the guide with a yellow bag and a yellow "Join us! Jewish Vilnius tour" sign in front Vilnius town hall (Didzioji g. 31). Guides usually wait on the left side on the stairs in front of Tourist Information Center.
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