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#Constitution of the Republic of Užupis
imaddressingyou · 5 months
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1. Every person has the right to live alongside the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow past everyone.
2. Every person has the right to hot water, heat in the winter, and a roof of tile.
3. Every person has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
4. Every person has the right to be wrong.
5. Every person has the right to be unique.
6. Every person has the right to love.
7. Every person has the right to remain unloved, but not invariably.
8. Every person has the right to be inconsequential and obscure.
....
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iamnompuehuenu · 7 months
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I've always wanted to do this character card with one of my original characters, and here I am. My 12 year old self would cry from joy since I even tried to imitate the artstyle but I got too tired at the end, so... I'll just put her here. I even made spanish versions and GIF versions because the flag changes color depending on the season which is so good. My research might be wrong so if there are errors I will gladly fix them.
Meet Užupis, a micronation located in Lithuania!
I have all her information here because I got too invested and the Užupis Constitution is too much fun. I even wrote what her relationship with others characters is like... I kinda love her, actually. She's Lithuania's little sister with a harsh story on her back. Too harsh, honestly, she deserves the whole world. If you'd like to read more, here it is.
Information:
Name: Republic of Užupis (Užupio Respublika)
Katakana: ウジュピス (Ujupisu)
Human name: Anželika Laurinaitis
Katakana: アンジェリカ・ロリナイティス (Anjerika Rorinaitisu)
Alternate Spellings: Angelica, Angelika
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Birthday: April 1, 1998
Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Golden
Height: 167 cm
Appearance:
Užupis appears as a teenage girl of golden eyes with a confident and relaxed smile at all times, keeping her long hair in a low ponytail and wearing two hairclips that resemble angel wings. She wears traditional masculine Lithuanian clothing; a long green coat with a sash surrounding her waist, which changes color depending on the season and her mood. Under the coat she wears a white shirt and black shorts. She wears high black boots and gloves with a circle on the back of the hand and she sometimes carries sculpting tools with her.
Personality and Interests:
Located in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, she is a neighborhood full of artists and bohemians of all kinds since Soviet times, which makes her an artist as well, though she loves sculpting the most and has many projects ongoing at the same time. With a knack for pranks and jokes, her carefree but determined attitude makes everyone wonder if she’s being serious or not, which only amuses her more. She declares herself a pacifist and free spirit and everflowing “just like the River Vilnelė!” but is shown to be easily influenced by the other micronations, always going with the flow. Užupis considers everyone equally deserving of love, since her home used to give shelter to homeless people and sex workers with no disctinction, but she gets easily flustered when someone shows her affection since she grew up in a harsh environment. She also has a gloomy side to her, sometimes mumbling to herself about black-and-white silent and experimental cinema that show the grim realities of life; these last two qualities may or may have not been inherited from Lithuania himself. She is also hopeless with technology since Užupis does not house internet-cafes, markets or shopping malls.
Relationships:
Lithuania Despite being her older brother, she bears a resentment towards him due to being neglected for the first years of her life to the point she used to be one of the poorest areas of the city with many run-down houses without utilities. She doesn’t have a Lithuanian embassy either and refuses to call him brother, much to his dismay. She knows it wasn’t his fault, but she can’t help but feel hurt by it. They are currently mending their relationship bit by bit and Užupis even started to play pranks on him, too!
Belarus Because her river also crosses Belarus, she came to know her and became mesmerized by her. As neighbors, Užupis admires her strength and grace and wishes to sculpt the perfect masterpiece to make justice to Belarus’ beauty. Belarus couldn’t care less about her, though, and Užupis is often ignored but thankfully never harmed. Not that she would care, since she is Lithuania’s sister, after all.
Poland They get along quite well and she always exclaims that she wishes Poland was her big brother, much to Lithuania's dismay. She admires Poland's strength and is one of her biggest inspirations, but above all, they both love to (affectionately) torment Lithuania.
Hutt River Užupis finds Hutt River amusing and they bond over the fact they both have rivers they are attached to, but for some reason, her pranks never seem to work on him which frustrates her to no end. She doesn’t give up, though, she is always planning a way to surprise and finally shake up Hutt River out of his elegant and dignified persona! However, she still respects him and admires his organizated house.
Kugelmugel As a fellow artistic micronation, she respects Kugelmugel greatly and is one of the few who doesn’t get intimidated by his outbursts. In turn, she actually supports and even cheers for him when he ponders what is art and what is not. To Užupis everything is art and they argue and discuss these matters seriously, exchanging ideas and perspectives. Užupis thinks he’s cute.
Ladonia As a fellow artistic micronation, she respects Ladonia and sees him as a symbol of inspiration for his strong personality and the way he defeated Sweden so many times! Užupis believes his stories and hypes him up, though since she is absolutely hopeless with technology they can’t seem to see eye to eye... So Užupis decides to clutch to his height, haha! Yeah, she teases him as a sport and pranks him quite often. Užupis thinks he’s cute.
Molossia She finds him fun and enjoys pulling pranks on him just to see his reaction, but she wishes for him to be honest with himself and often gives long speeches about the happiness of being truthful with oneself. Molossia mostly curses and tries to push her away, but Užupis is stubborn and will strive to make the purest and most honest art of the world with a sculpture she plans to make of Molossia’s true personality! She always says this out loud, which embarrasses him further.
Nikoniko She never got to meet him, but she respects him and can’t help but be fascinated at the beauty of humanity he has. She sometimes daydreams about becoming human as well and wonders if it was worth it, but respects Nikoniko’s decision and is in awe at the beauty of his journey.
Sealand Užupis admires his confidence and strength and considers him an example to follow, something she always chooses to say so she can boost Sealand’s self-esteem as a supportive friend and admirer. However, since she is really far from the sea of Lithuania and is accustomed to freshwater rivers, she can’t bring herself to like that much the sea that surrounds him and they sometimes bicker about it, but she does her best to see through his perspective... But it’s too salty, too salty!
Seborga They are the closest in age and get along fairly well as two carefree micronations who like to play pranks on the others, but Užupis gets easily flustered when he flirts with her to which she often responds with an out of pocket joke in an attempt to flee from the situation and disimulate. She appreciates his warmth and cheerfulness and often says she has a lot to learn from him, quoting him as a “beckon of freedom and love!”
Wy As a fellow artistic micronation, she respects Wy and in turn Wy sees her as a “senpai” of sorts due to being older and having more official citizens, though Užupis puts no importance in that type of thing. Nonetheless, she looks out for Wy and supports her artistic endeavours and, as the only other girl micronation, they have a close friendship bond almost sisterly-like. Užupis thinks she’s the prettiest of all micronations.
Aerican She can’t understand him but at the same time she does, it’s a complicated relationship that is fueled by their love of cinema, even if Užupis’ preference is more somber and old. She states that Aerican’s dramatic costume counts as art as well and rejoices at his performance, hyping him up and clapping her hands everytime he says something cool. She sure wishes he stopped trying to get her to understand video games...
Nikoniko Jr Cute, so cute! Užupis considers him the cutest of the cutest and wishes to protect his innocence, mostly because she held none of it when she was his age. She likes to joke with him and show him cool tricks to make him smile, but because she is really inexperienced with children she often lets him ride the huge and dangerous statues she makes, giving everyone a headache.
Trivia:
Anželika is the Latvian and Lithuanian form of Angelica and it ties to the Angel of Užupis.
She is quite small with only 148 acres (60 ha) in size and a fairly new independent micronation, but she looks like a teenage girl thanks to the cultural blossoming she experienced to the point she even granted the 14th Dalai Lama an honorary citizenship in 2013. He later returned in 2018 to plant a tree in the Republic's "Tibet Square" to mark 100 years since the Council of Lithuania proclaimed the restoration of an independent state of Lithuania.
She has ambassadors that represent the republic and its constitution in a certain state or geographic region while others share the republic's spirit in various realms of life like the ambassador among hummingbirds, the ambassador of knowledge for humanity or the ambassador for whistling in the streets. There is even an embassy that strives to build bridges between arts and AI technology to make artificial intelligence more accessible to society, more ethical and more innovative.
Her constitution, which was blessed by Pope Francis in 2018, has 38 articles and 3 mottos translated in 23 languages. Some of them are serious (“Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.” or “Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.”) while others can get quite silly (“A dog has the right to be a dog.” or “Everyone has the right to have no rights.”)
The Angel of Užupis is a statue of an angel blowing a trumpet situated in the main square. It is in memory of animator and caricaturist Zenonas Šteinys and became a symbol of the revival of the republic. Previously, a temporary sculpture of an egg stood in its place. There is also another statue made by the same sculptor, Romas Vilčiauskas, which depicts a mermaid.
The official flag of the Republic of Užupis changes color depending on the season. It features the palm of a hand with a circle on it on a white background. Blue  for winter, green for spring, yellow for Summer and red for autumn.
Her outfit is a Lithuanian traditional clothing from the Dzukija region, which is where the capital of Vilnius is, which is at the same time where Užupis is located.
The name Užupis means "beyond the river" or "the other side of the river."
Constitution (because it's too good):
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to be unique.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
Everyone has the right to idle.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to be happy.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith.
No one has the right to violence.
Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance. [In Lithuanian this reads Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.]
No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
Everyone shall remember their name.
Everyone may share what they possess.
No one can share what they do not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone may be independent.
Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
Everyone has the right to cry.
Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
No one has the right to make another person guilty.
Everyone has the right to be individual.
Everyone has the right to have no rights.
Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
Do not defeat.
Do not fight back.
Do not surrender.
Sources: http://folkcostume.blogspot.com/2011/07/costume-of-dzukija-province-lithuania.html http://folkcostume.blogspot.com/2011/07/introduction-to-lithuanian-costume.html https://www.dw.com/en/a-tiny-republic-with-a-big-heart-exploring-uzupis-in-lithuania/a-61835169 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEupis https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/11/arty-hipster-and-a-country-within-a-country-welcome-to-the-republic-of-uzupis-7920560/ https://theculturetrip.com/europe/lithuania/articles/the-republic-of-u-upis-bohemia-in-lithuania https://www.reddit.com/r/Uzupis/ https://www.playboy.com/read/uzupis-utopia https://uzhupisembassy.eu/ https://uzhupisembassy.eu/foreign-affairs-ministry/
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paramedicabroad · 4 months
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Historic Centre of Vilnius
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Embark with me on a virtual journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site—the Historic Centre of Vilnius in Lithuania. Join the adventure as we traverse winding streets, unravel layers of history, and bask in the vibrant charm of this Baltic jewel.
In 1994, the Historic Centre of Vilnius earned UNESCO World Heritage status. This recognition celebrates Vilnius as a living testament to the coexistence of various architectural styles, cultures, and religions—a harmonious blend that defines its unique character.
Step into Cathedral Square, the pulsating heart of Vilnius. Admire the grandeur of Vilnius Cathedral and the iconic Bell Tower. This square is where history unfolds, from coronations to celebrations, and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Behold the exquisite beauty of St. Anne's Church, a Gothic masterpiece that enchants with its intricate brickwork. Wander through its sacral ambiance and imagine the echoes of hymns and prayers that have graced its hallowed halls through the ages.
Explore the University of Vilnius, one of the oldest universities in Central Europe. Admire the classic architecture of the Grand Courtyard and Library, where the pursuit of knowledge has flourished for centuries.
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Ascend the Gediminas Castle Hill, where the eponymous tower stands tall as a sentinel overlooking Vilnius. Marvel at panoramic views of the cityscape and the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers—a sight that has witnessed centuries of Vilnius' evolution.
Visit the Gate of Dawn, a revered pilgrimage site housing the miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary. Feel the spiritual energy as you pass through this historical gate, which has witnessed countless prayers and pilgrimages.
Cross the river to Užupis, a bohemian district known as the "Republic of Užupis." Marvel at its artistic spirit, adorned with street art, quirky sculptures, and the Constitution of Užupis, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness, love, and the right to be oneself.
Embark on a virtual expedition of Vilnius through online galleries, interactive maps, and immersive experiences. Roam the streets virtually, discover hidden gems, and soak in the cultural richness of this UNESCO-listed gem—all from the comfort of your digital realm.
In conclusion, Vilnius invites you to dance through its cobblestone streets, where history and creativity intertwine. When you're ready for a digital odyssey through a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the essence of Lithuanian heritage, Vilnius beckons with open arms. 🏰🌈✨🇱🇹
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curlabroad · 1 year
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Places You Should See in Vilnius - Part 2 (2/6)
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Welcome to the part 2 of Vilnius recommendations <3
1.6. Three Crosses (Trys Kryžiai) and Bernardine Park & (Bernardinų Sodas & Parkas) 
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After you visit the Museum of Applied Arts and Design you can keep walking and take a right turn or you can walk through Bernardine Park to reach the hill. Bernardine Park & Garden is just in between Gediminas Hill and the Bernardine Monastery. Right next to the park flows Vilnelė River. Three Crosses see the whole city! I like to visit the place at the sunset. The crosses are located in the Kalnų parkas. 
1.7. Republic of Užupis ( Užupio Respublika)
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The Republic of Užupis is an independent region in the center of Vilnius. The republic is quite unique. Don’t miss this must-see item when visiting Vilnius. Užupis proclaimed their independence in 1998. They are recognized by Lithuania and many other countries from the UK to Azerbaijan. Check their history here. The region is home to many art and design centers and streets are covered with great artwork and murals. I recommend entering Uzupio from Bernardinų Tiltas and getting out from Paupio Tiltas and visit these places and getting lost through the streets: 
Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Center, 
Bridge of Užupis (there is a pub near it and if you are lucky enough to find a seat, make sure to have a few drinks there) 
Angel of Užupis, 
Constitution of the Republic of Užupis. 
1.8. St. Anne’s Church & St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine) Roman Catholic Church
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St. Anne’s Church (Vilniaus Šv. Onos bažnyčia ) and St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine) Roman Catholic Church ( Vilniaus šv. Pranciškaus Asyžiečio (Bernardinų) parapija) are located near each other and you can easily reach them from the Cathedral Square or Bernardine Park and even it is close to the Uzupis. I highly recommend visiting inside the churches as they are greatly decorated. But keep in mind that, even on weekdays there are ceremonies in churches; so please be respectful. 
Adam Bernard Mickiewicz is a national poet in Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus from Poland. Mickiewicz is not only a poet but also a dramatist, essayist, publicist, translator, and political activist. You can see his statue right next to the churches. 
1.9. Pilies Street (Pilies Gatve)
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This street is one of the famous streets in Vilnius Old Town. It’s only 2 minutes walk away from the Vilnius Cathedral. When you enter the street you will see there local restaurants, great pubs, and souvenir stores. This street is perfect to dine and buy. You will understand what I mean when you see it. 
On the street, coming from the Cathedral side, there is a little shop called Flea Market on the left side. Even though most recognize the shop quickly due to the colorful and crowded sill but some pass by as they are busy with other things. I believe the place needs special recognition on the list. 
1.10. Gates of Dawn & The Church of St Theresa 
Gates of Dawn (Aušros vartai) is a city gate that used to be a part of Vilnius’s defensive wall in the 16th century. The gate contains a famous Renaissance: The Blessed Virgin Mary. The painting is worshipped by Catholics, Russian Orthodox, and Greek Orthodox. Therefore the gate is known to be a prayer point among many. 
If you walk down a bit towards the street you will find The Church of St Theresa (Vilniaus Šv. Teresės bažnyčia) dating back to the 16th century.
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1.11. Church of St. Johns & The Bell Tower – Vilnius University
Vilnius University is one of the best universities in Vilnius and is the oldest university in the Baltic states. The university is centrally located and has hidden gems in it. 
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Church of St. Johns as short or the “Church of St. Johns, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle and Evangelist” is located in the old town in Vilnius University’s garden. The church is simply beautiful. The Bell Tower of St. John’s Church nearby offers one of the best panoramic views you can get in the city. Definitely go up! 
Vilnius University Library 
Vilnius University Library or VU Library as most refers dates back to the 16th Century and actually 9 nine years older than the university itself. Also, it is the oldest academic library not only in Vilnius but in Lithuania. The original art on the walls and ceilings is very well preserved. It gave me Harry Potter vibes a bit probably because I have never seen such a library with such art. 
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umichenginabroad · 1 year
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Vilnius: Fighting For Freedom and Democracy
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My hostel is right next to one of the main attractions in Vilnius - the magnificent Vilnius Cathedral and Square. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and paintings. The square it sits on is one of the most beautiful places in the city, offering stunning views of the cathedral and surrounding buildings. The morning view is magnificent.
During the stay at Vilnius, I made a one day detour to Kaunas. I visited a museum that used to be an atomic bunker during the USSR era. To be fair, it is more of a personal antique collection than a museum, but the guide’s stories definitely made everything came to life. After Lithuania broke away from the USSR, they almost immediately made any action supporting communism, especially the Russian government, illegal. Some may argue that this move is against freedom in politics, but I can totally understand those who suffered under an dictator disguised as “communist” would like to avoid it at all cost. The mentality is obvious; even as a tourist I can sense their support for Ukraine more than anywhere else in Europe.
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The moment that touched me the most happened when looking through country badges before and after they left the USSR. When it came to Lithuania, the guide proudly said “See the Pine and Spruce? That is a large industry in Lithuania.” As someone who grew up in Taiwan, I know how insecure it is to be a small country next to a large, authoritarian government always looking to expand themselves. As of today, a lot in Taiwan beliefs that we got international support only because of the amount of high quality chips we produce; without that the international community will be more than willing to trade our freedom, democracy, and self-determination for the satisfaction of the government controlling one of the largest buying markets on Earth. Thus a question came to me naturally: how would a small country like Lithuania have the military defense strong enough to deter Russia from bugging them constantly? What is their “strong reason” for international support, if it’s not their strength or power in impacting the economy? I asked the guide about where do they get their military protection, and he gave me an answer so simple that I am mildly embarrassed to ask in the first place: NATO.
I cannot express how envious I felt afterwards. Imagine how much time and energy Taiwan could devote into areas other than military and semiconductors if there were some similar hard, law-binding support for us. Military service is still mandatory for boys of my age in Taiwan, and that is just recently extended from four months back to a year; all because of our nasty neighbor, their inherent overpower based on land and population, and the international community tolerating them bending rules in order to save their own economic interest.
Back to Vilnius. The Užupis District is my favorite spot in Vilnius.
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This once run-down district has been transformed into one of the most eccentric and artistic neighborhoods in the city. Known as the Republic of Užupis, it has a bohemian vibe that’s infectious. You’ll find plenty of quaint cafés, shops, and galleries to explore. They even have their own constitution and country mascot – a cat!
The city also has a vibrant food scene, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to try out. Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, delicious, and affordable, and a meal at one of the local restaurants is an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. There beer pubs are also one-of-a-kind!
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daviding · 1 year
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Bridge of Uzupis: Entering the Republic of Užupis on International Liars Day, border agents stamped our passports as we crossed the Vilnia River into the bohemian art district The theme for the 25th anniversary of the self-proclaimed republic is a protecting and nurturing angel, whose trumpet proclaims fellowship and faith in openness. We found the wall with the English version of the Užupis Constitution that encourages tolerance in Lithuania, including Man has the right to make mistakes. (Bridge of Užupis. Vilnius, Lithuania) 20230401
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marc-anthony-macon · 1 year
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"In Which Rebecca Joins Olivia's Army" Acrylic, stickers, magic marker, and collage elements on photo print 8.5"x11" Marc-Anthony Macon, 2021 From the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis: "Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown. Everyone has the right to be idle. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat. Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies. A dog has the right to be a dog. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need" $65, DM me to purchase. #ContemporaryCollage #contemporaryart #fineart #challengingart #ensuitegarde #weirdart #surrealism #surrealart #outsiderart #mixedmediaart #trippyart #psychedelicart #experimentalart #queerartist #dadaism #collageart #collage #alienart #weirdart #alternativeart #artbrut #intuitiveart #marcanthonymacon #analogcollage #punkart #punk #skaterpunk #avantgarde (at Urbana, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CplmZ35JDiL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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asteriski · 3 years
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i was tagged by @leilansdream to post something with the criteria of being:
- cool
- not a meme or selfie
- a photo i have taken
in vilnius, lithuania, there's a neighbourhood called užupis. it declared itself a republic in 1997. i took a photo of the constitution, which was right in line with the vibes there.
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if anyone wishes to share something then please consider yourself tagged ♡
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I just found this out and I’m DECEASED
okay, so I live in this district of Vilnius, called Užupis and we claim to be a whole independent republic, which means we have a “constitution”. And so, the clause number 13 of the Užupis Constitution says: “A cat doesn’t have to love it’s owner but must be there for them during hard times”.
Clause 13....Cats.... @taylorswift????
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cook-the-beans · 4 years
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Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius surprises with its green spaces, charming squares, hipster cafes, churches, history and artistic vibe.
Phrasing the recent tourist ad that went viral: Vilnius is ‘the G-spot of Europe: Nobody knows where it is, but when you find it, it’s amazing’
Old Town
Vilnius’ Old Town is truly beautiful with pebbly streets, period buildings, pastel-coloured walls and quaint little streets.
Vilnius Historic Centre is protected by Unesco, is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe and a delight to explore.
Pilies Gatvè is the hub of touristic action and the main entrance to Oldtown.
Gediminas Hill
The Gediminas Tower is the lasting part of a castle, located on top of a hill. From here you have panoramic views of the Old Town. (€5)
If you are not up for the walk get the funicular to Gediminas Hill (cable car) can take you for €1.50.
Hill of Three Crosses
The Three Crosses is a monument erected in 1989. Not a super interesting place in my opinion, but the views during sunset are quite nice.
Palace of The Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Is a well-presented museum with a mix of old palace ruins, history of the leaders of Lithuania, archaeological finds and Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art collections. (€7)
The best part is the 3D virtual reality tour that you can take to see and feel the past.
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is a place that buzzes with life. Here you find the Vilnius Cathedral the main Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lithuania.
The Cathedral sits right in front of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Churches
Smaller charming neoclassical and baroque churches are there to be found around town like the St John’s Church, St Anne’s Church and the Church of St Peter & Paul.
The campanile of St John’s Church is the highest viewpoint in town – €2.50, a great place to contemplate the beauty of the city.
Užupis
The Užupis district is a cool and edgy neighbourhood that sits across the river from Old Town Vilnius. Užupis declared itself an independent republic on April 1, 1997. Created by bohemians and artists is a home for the dreamers.
This place has its own flag, its own national day (April 1st) and its own constitution. It is packed with trendy bars, galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
On Thursdays, nearby Tymo Turgus food market is the destination for organic produce, there’s also plenty of street food.
 Jewish history
Vilnius’ Jewish Quarter is a particularly pretty section of the city’s old town. This area of Vilnius is all cobblestone streets, paper lanterns, and carved wooden doors.
There are a few museums to visit in the area dedicated to the history and the people that used to live there and about the genocide.
Art scene
Checking out the street art is an absolute must. The cobbled streets of Vilnius are dotted all over with amazing pieces of street art. There is a map here with the most famous street art.
You can’t miss the Open Gallery in Vilnius a long-term interdisciplinary project and cultural initiative, located in the post-industrial district Naujamiestis.
Here you will find tons of creative projects such as paintings on the factory walls, installations, sculptures, performances, etc.
It’s free to visit.
Museums and Galleries
The Nacionalinė Dailės Galerija (called NDG), located across the River Neris from the centre has a collection of contemporary art.
The National Museum of Lithuania displays artefacts from Lithuanian life from Neolithic times.
For 15th to 19th-century Lithuanian sacred art, the Museum of applied art is the place to go.
Gate of Dawn
The chapel in the Gate of Dawn in the former city wall hosts the famous Madonna.
This place attracts pilgrims from all over the world who visit seeking miracles even if you’re not religious the gate is quite impressive.
Hales Market
The Hales Market dates back to 1906 and it’s one of the oldest markets in the city.
A great place to browse and check out the Lithuanian fresh produce and cuisine.
There are also a couple of coffee shops and fast food stalls in the market.
Literatu gatvė
Writer’s Lane, or Literatu Gatvė is a stretch of a street dedicated to Lithuanian writers.
Parks and gardens
There are many lush, green spaces in Vilnius and if the weather is fine, many locals and tourists alike like spending time in them.
Just outside of the city on the banks of the River Neris is Verkiai Regional Park, a great place with lakes, cycle paths and stunning green spaces. The park is always open and the entrance is free.
Bernardine Garden is a nice and peaceful place close to the Cathedral Square and the Gediminas Castle Tower
Vilnius’ botanical garden located on the outskirts of Vilnius was founded in 1781. The place is stunning and a must-see. Entry €1.5o
Getting to and around Vilnius
Getting to Vilnius is quite straight forward, with a city airport receiving flights from all over Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the city centre (around 10 Euro), or you can also take the bus or train, both cheaper options.
Vilnius is a compact city, and most sights are easily reached on foot.
Free Walking Tour
It’s great to do a free walking tour from Vilnius With Locals. It lasts about 2.5 hours and gives a great introduction to Vilnius and its history and interesting sites.
It gives you a good “first look” in the city, the opportunity to speak with a local and get some recommendations.
Is Vilnius worth visiting? The answer is definitively yes!
Are you planning to visit Vilnius? Have you been? 
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha
Vilnius, the very best things to do Lithuania's capital, Vilnius surprises with its green spaces, charming squares, hipster cafes, churches, history and artistic vibe.
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imaddressingyou · 5 months
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jennyzloch · 4 years
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Our Vilnius
Ineffable travels are going on!
These time Crowley and Aziraphale decided to go to Vilnius. It is a very strange city. An European capital which is filled with very strange magic and uniqueness.
The city was build where small river Vilnia is flowing into the bigger river Neris (or Vilia)/ In this place the lithunian king Gedimin slept once and saw an iron wolf in his dream. He came to his priest for explanations, and the priest told to rise the city in this place. Here is a monument for him.
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Crowley and Aziraphale went to the rivers and find them beautiful.
Here they are on the wall of Gedimin tower - it’s all that remained after that lithunian king. And the river behind them is Neris. This river is not tamed yet, and the city might get flooded by her waters.
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Vilnia is very different. 
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Could you imagine how to get to this swing?
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It was dark under the bridge, but their wanted take a picture nevertheless.
Behind that river is  Užupis Republic. 
When we found its constitution we were very impressed. I think that very kind and brave and wonderful persons have created this.
I have found this histiry about them:
“Užupis Constitution was written one summer evening of 1998 by the Uzhupis citizens Romas Lileikis (later – President of Uzhupis) and Tomas Čepaitis (later – Minister of Foreign Affairs and sometimes the King:) It’s hard to say now who of them wrote which right, the only truth known to history is that President loves dogs, and Foreign minister loves cats, so articles about the rights of these citizens can be authorized.
Užupis Constitution, sometimes called the Constitution of the Old Towns (Medinas) became popular. It was proposed to make it in metal and hang on the wall. The first plaque was attached to the wall of the bar in the Užupio kavinė, where all the Revolution of Angels began. For others the long wall on the right side of the Paupio Lane was chosen. First plaques were Lithuanian and English, than – French, than (in 2002) translations into the Vilnius languages – Russian, Polish, Byelorussian (Georgian board also fall in the middle:)) and Yiddish, and from the 2009 plagues are unveiled yearly. Usually the producing of the plague is sponsored by the Embassy of the country of the language in Lithuania, sometimes wholly sponsored by the Embassy of Uzhupis in this country.”
The Užupis Constitution terms:
1. Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnele, and the River Vilnele has the right to flow by everyone. 2. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof. 3. Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation. 4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes. 5. Everyone has the right to be unique. 6. Everyone has the right to love. 7. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily. 8. Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown. 9. Everyone has the right to idle. 10. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat. 11. Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies. 12. A dog has the right to be a dog. 13. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of nee. 14. Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties. 15. Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation. 16. Everyone has the right to be happy. 17. Everyone has the right to be unhappy. 18. Everyone has the right to be silent. 19. Everyone has the right to have faith. 20. No one has the right to violence. 21. Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance. 22. No one has the right to have a design on eternity. 23. Everyone has the right to understand. 24. Everyone has the right to understand nothing. 25. Everyone has the right to be of any nationality. 26. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday. 27. Everyone shall remember their name. 28. Everyone may share what they possess. 29. No one can share what they do not possess. 30. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents. 31. Everyone may be independent. 32. Everyone is responsible for their freedom. 33. Everyone has the right to cry. 34. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood. 35. No one has the right to make another person guilty. 36. Everyone has the right to be individual. 37. Everyone has the right to have no rights. 38. Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
And they have three commandments: 39. Do not defeat. 40. Do not fight back. 41. Do not surrender.
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This is the wall on Paupio lane where Constitution plaques are placed.
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We were here in the night only.
The symbol of this republic is an opened palm with a hole through it. It is for their openness and they couldn’t ever be corrupted!
We found some more magic things there.
A very ancient oak in the Cathedral square.
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An invisible cafe from the book “The tales of old Vilnius” in Boksto lane, number 10. No one can understand why there is no cafe in this beautiful place, and the reason is the existence of the invisible cafe. You could go there only when you are dreaming. Book fans are writing on the door about the owners of the cafe and some great and positive thoughts.
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And we found a tile with the writing “stebuklas” that means “miracle” on the Cathedral square.
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A reminding of the days of Pride.
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A sculpture of chronicler and box-tree of enormous size (for that kind of trees and north country). And Vilnius’s courtyards are just perfect!
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And when you are walking through this magic ancient city you find little miracles everywhere.
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Mosaics on the sidewalks.
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Mirrors on the walls...
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Sign with ducks. (The words means Užupis is here)...
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The tram’s stop where is not any tram in Vilnius...
And we find two of our favorite books, and read from them on one of the Vilnele bridges. And brought them home.
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Ye Saga Continued...
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akhnatenmallya · 4 years
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Quirky. It measures less than 1 sq km. It has its own constitution, currency, a government and a president. It even has its own navy. And a quirky sense of humour. Welcome to Užupis, the smallest republic in the world. Literally translated as ‘beyond the river’ or the other side of the river’, its name is in reference to the Vilnia river. It’s been a popular district with those looking with an artistic bent of mind, and draws comparison with Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, thanks to its bohemian atmosphere. Walking around the self proclaimed Republic, you will come across an emblem mounted on one of the walls. It is a blue hand with a hole in the middle, symbolising that it is unable to accept bribes. There is also the constitution next to the emblem. And because it is for all of humankind, it has been generously translated into as many languages as possible. While some seem universal and full of optimism, like ‘Everyone has a right to be happy’, there are others that, if not anything else, elicit a chuckle. Of course, the longer you think about some of the 38 articles, chances are it might begin to make sense. But who would want to risk that, right! ________________________________________ @nofixedaddrs #nofixedaddrs www.nofixedaddress.in _________________________________________ Real is beautiful 🇱🇹 #realisbeautiful #welcometolithuania #beautifullithuania #govilnius _________________________________________ ………. ……... …….. ……. …… ….. …. … .. . #užupis #republic #lietuva #uzupis #vilnius #upis #uzupiorespublika #lithuania #uzupisrepublic #vilniuscity #vilniusgram #WalkableVilnius #vilniussecretplaces #hiddenvilnius #discovervilnius #visitvilnius #vilniusnow #vilniuscity #instavilnius #vilniusstreets #ilovelithuania #vilniusofficial #discovervilnius #goexplore #discover (at Republic of Užupis) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIV0FxZMeM-/?igshid=1k4tx0a44hn8o
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crucifiedkosovo · 5 years
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sudanhelp53-blog · 5 years
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10 Things To Do in Vilnius, Lithuania
This summer I spent a week in northern Europe exploring the three Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. When I was planning my trip I knew for sure I wanted to visit Latvia and Estonia. Both have beautiful, charming capital cities with gorgeous, colorful architecture.
Holy Trinity Uniate Church
I didn’t know much about Lithuania, but when I saw you could take a sunset hot air balloon ride over an island with a castle in the breathtaking Lithuanian countryside, I knew for sure I had to add Lithuania to the list. Be sure to check out our post on the Hot Air Balloon Ride in Lithuania!
MY OTHER RECIPES
Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower
Lithuania also has a charming capital city with beautiful architecture. The historic center has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re considering visiting Lithuania, here’s a quick photo tour and guide to the capital city of Vilnius.
St. Nicholas’ Church
If this is your first time to Lithuania, here are 10 things you’ll definitely want to do and see in Vilnius:
Vilnius University (founded in 1579)
1. Walk up and down the main street
Start at the Gates of Dawn and wander your way to Cathedral Square. You’ll pass several beautiful churches, Vilnius University, and the Town Hall Square along the way.
2. Climb the Bell Tower
Climb the Bell Tower of St. John’s Church at Vilnius University for the best 360 degree panoramic view of the city! There’s even an elevator if you don’t want to take the stairs.
Looking up inside the Bell Tower at St. John’s Church!
When we were at Vilnius University there was a special event going on. How cute are these girls in traditional Lithuanian dresses?
3. Visit St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church
How beautiful is this all-white Roman catholic church from the 1600s with its intricate Baroque architecture??!
It’s about a 20 minute walk from Cathedral Square to St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church.
4. Eat Gourmet Ice Cream
We saw local, gourmet ice cream carts everywhere we went in Vilnius… especially along the main street and cathedral square. Be sure to save room for dessert and try some!! Perfect on a hot summer day.
Church of St. Casimir
5. Say Thank You in Lithuanian!
To say thank you in the local language, all you have to do is say Achoo! Yes, “thank you” in Lithuanian sounds just like Achoo! How fun is that? :) It may seem awkward at first, but definitely try it! If you listen closely you will hear the locals saying it all the time.
6. Visit St. Virgin Maria’s Church
During the Russian occupation, the inside of most churches were gutted and used as warehouses for the government. St. Virgin Maria’s Church has now been transformed into a free art gallery.
7. Take a Tour of the Republic of Užupis
Užupis is a funky neighborhood in Vilnius. It’s very popular with artists and has an ultra laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.
To get the most out of your experience, I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour of this neighborhood. If we didn’t have our guide from Vilnius Urban Adventures to show us around and explain the story of Užupis to us, I don’t think I would’ve been very impressed just exploring this area on my own.
On April 1, 1997, the residents of the neighborhood declared Užupis an independent republic. They have their own flag, president, constitution, anthem, even an army of 11 men. They celebrate their independence every year on April 1st.
I absolutely love the Constitution of Užupis!!! The constitution is engraved on a monument wall in the neighborhood in 23 languages. Here are some of my favorite rights from the Constitution of Užupis:
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to be unique.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
Everyone has the right to cry.
8. Get Your Passport Stamped
You can even get a passport stamp from the Republic of Užupis at the Republic of Uzupis Information Center.
9. Swing from a Bridge over a River
The Bridge of Uzupis is a love-lock bridge. You can leave your lock on the bridge, then take a romantic swing over the river down below.
10. Take a Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride
Fly over the lovely village of Trakai and its medieval fairytale castle on an island nestled in the beautiful lush countryside of Lithuania. Super easy day trip from Vilnius. I honestly cannot think of anything more romantic! Click here for all the details.
I worked with JayWay Travel to book my trip to the Baltics. They created a custom itinerary just for me so I could see the best of all three countries in one week. JayWay Travel specializes in Eastern Europe and creates custom, personalized itineraries just for you, based on what you want to do and where you want to go. They book everything and take care of all the little details for you. All you have to do is show up and enjoy!
They made sure someone was waiting for us at the airport, took us to our hotel, set up our hot air balloon ride as well as our private, guided tours in Vilnius, and arranged our transportation from Lithuania to Latvia. They had thought of every detail from start to finish! We didn’t have to worry about arranging any of our lodging or transportation on our own.
Need ideas for your next trip to Europe? Check out JayWay Travel’s most popular itineraries for one week, 10 days, or 2 weeks and more! Here’s a link to their Baltic Capitals Tour if you’re interested in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania!
I highly recommend the brand new 5-star Hotel PACAI in Vilnius.
This boutique hotel is set in a Baroque palace dating back to 1677.
You couldn’t ask for a more perfect location — Hotel PACAI is very well located on the main street right in the heart of the historic district of Vilnius.
Our room overlooked the terrace. You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink out here every day!
Stay tuned for more posts from our adventures in the Baltics!
Source: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/vilnius-lithuania/
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aardrian · 5 years
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A tour through the Republic of Užupis with a stop to appreciate its constitution.
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