The historic Rasa cemetery, which has been complexly neglected for more than 200 years, is being renewed - as the restoration process accelerates, the cemetery is rapidly changing, becoming more orderly and safer. Rasa cemetery, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Vilnius, included in many heritage catalogs around the world, is estimated to be visited by at least 150 people every year. tourists.
The comprehensive renovation of the historic Rasa cemetery is a multi-stage project, according to which not only the environment, paths, lighting, but also monuments in an emergency state, renovated chapels and other buildings in poor condition on the territory are managed consistently. Maintenance of the historic Rasa cemetery in Vilnius, restoration of tombstones and chapels is carried out in cooperation with experts from Poland.
At the end of the first stage of work, 341 graves in an emergency condition have been completely repaired in the eleven-hectare territory, 141 of which are included in the register of cultural values, as well as lighting, new stairs and retaining walls. By the middle of December, the rest of the graves in emergency and bad condition, stairs and stone walls will also be repaired, small architecture will be installed - benches, information stands, columns marking block numbers. Video surveillance cameras will be installed, and there will be a semi-underground container lot at the central gate of the cemetery.
6 chapels were arranged and renovated. In one of them, built in 1850-1883 by the efforts of Juozaps Bagdonavičius, a visitor to the missionary monastery, after the state funeral ceremony on Friday, 1863-1864 will be laid to rest. the remains of the commanders and participants of the uprising, found on Gediminas Hill.
"I am glad that the historic Rasa cemetery is changing its appearance, becoming safer and more orderly, and attracting even more visitors. It is also important that the renovation of the abandoned chapel, which has been neglected for a long time, where the remains of the leaders and participants of the uprising will lie, symbolically gives meaning to the memory of these heroes who fought the freedom struggle. For the multicultural and multicultural city of Vilnius, the revival of this historical necropolis is much more than a duty. Vilnius Rasų Cemetery is a connecting part of Polish and Lithuanian culture, very important for our city. This is a monument and legacy of the entire history and culture of our country, which must be preserved," says the mayor of Vilnius. Remigius Šimašius.
The maintenance works of Rasa cemetery will cost almost 3 million in total. Euros from the European Regional Development Fund and the capital city municipality: the price of the cemetery contract is about EUR 2,6 million. EUR, interior maintenance works of the Central Chapel - almost 200 thousand. More than 83 EUR was allocated for the burial of the participants of the uprising. Eur. UAB "Ekstra statyba" UAB "Ekstra statyba" UAB "Ekstra statyba" UAB, "Virmalda" UAB Centrinės koplyčias UAB "Virmalda" are responsible for the management of the Rasų cemetery, and UAB "AR STUDIO" was responsible for the burial of the participants of the Uprising.
Complex restoration works of the historical Rasa cemetery are expected to be completed next year.
The chapel will be open for visits on the weekend
Eternal rest in 1863-1864. the commanders and participants of the uprising will be laid to rest in the chapel of the Old Race Cemetery. The renovated chapel where 1863-1864 will be buried. the remains of the commanders and participants of the uprising can be visited by Vilnius residents and guests of the city.
Leaders of the uprising and insurgents buried in the Rasa cemetery chapel on November 22-24. representatives of Lithuanian Scouting, Lithuanian Polish Scouting (chasers) and Lithuanian Riflemen's Union will stand in the guard of honor.
9-11.30:XNUMX a.m. residents are invited to say goodbye to the remains of the leaders and participants of the uprising in Vilnius St. manager Stanislaus and St. Vladislav Archcathedral Basilica.
13.40:XNUMX p.m. the funeral procession will take place on Vrublevskis, Šventaragis, Pilies, Didžiąja, Aušra Varta, Druja, Rasa streets and will move to the Old Rasa cemetery. It is important to note that anyone can join the procession. Public organizations and citizens are invited to participate in the funeral procession with flags and other historical attributes.
November 22 the chapel will be open to the public from 16:24 to XNUMX:XNUMX.
November 23-24 the chapel will be open from 9 a.m. to 21 p.m. Detailed information about the ceremony can be found on the website www.lrv.lt. To ensure safety, visitors are asked not to bring candles into the chapel.
The entire funeral ceremony will be broadcast live by Lithuanian national radio and television.
