A controversial floating hotel has returned to Vilnius, once again moored in the Neris River at the foot of Gediminas Hill. While some city residents find this modern idea original and attractive, cultural heritage specialists are concerned about the potential damage to the capital's historic skyline and remind us that the facility was placed in this location without permission.
Back in January Vilnius city municipality removed this structure from a sensitive area and promised to find a more suitable location for it. But now the ship-hotel is back here – and this has come as a surprise not only to Vilnius residents, but also to institutions.
According to Gerda Mockevičė, head of the Vilnius territorial division of the Department of Cultural Heritage, the department was not informed about the hotel's return.
"Like all the media - we only saw it yesterday morning. No one coordinated with us on the decision or the details," she said.
Public opinion is favorable, but heritage conservationists are holding their ground
The Vilnius residents interviewed are quite positive about the floating hotel.
"I didn't even notice it, I don't think it detracts from the panorama. Maybe it's even an interesting, innovative idea," said one passerby.
"My friends and I thought it was quite original - a hotel on the water in Vilnius is something new," added another.
The third interviewee assured that such decisions enrich the city: "I heard about this hotel on the radio - the idea is great, the location is convenient, and it certainly doesn't spoil the panorama. I would always support such initiatives."
However, the Department of Cultural Heritage takes a strict position - structures of this type should not appear in the UNESCO-protected territory of Vilnius Old Town.
"We want the environment of the historic center to be carefully protected, because any activity can have a negative impact on this sensitive place," emphasized G. Mockevičė.
Municipality: There was no permit, the building appeared arbitrarily
Vilnius Vice Mayor Andrius Grigonis denied reports that the city had given permission for the hotel to return. "The municipality did not give permission for this location. We expressed a clear position last year - a ship-hotel cannot be located in this location. This was also discussed with the owner," he said.
According to the vice mayor, the owner acted arbitrarily and did not apply to the municipality for a new permit. In addition, he noted that the old permit, issued in 2021, is violated - the current structure is larger than provided for in the documents.
"Today we have already taken measures to have the hotel seized. If we cannot reach an amicable agreement, we will take legal action," assured A. Grigonis.
Although the current location is considered unsuitable, the municipality does not hide the fact that the idea itself is not bad.
"The concept of a hotel-ship is interesting and is being viewed positively. It is simply necessary to find a suitable location for such an object," said the vice mayor, adding that negotiations are currently underway with the Department of Cultural Heritage and the owner himself regarding alternative locations.
It is not yet clear how long the floating hotel will remain in its current location, but it is clear that the disputes between creativity and heritage protection in Vilnius are not over yet.
