After the Department of Cultural Heritage approved the boundaries of Mediniai Šnipiškii, after determining the valuable features of this place, Vilnius residents have questions about the changes in the area. Will all wooden buildings really be protected, even outdoor toilets? Will it be possible to build new buildings and reconstruct old ones? Will wooden houses not lose their value? The chief architect of the city of Vilnius, Laura Kairienė, provides the most important answers to these and other questions.
"There are not many protected areas in Vilnius, only 2 percent. Other cities have more of them. For example, Beautiful ir Klaipėda such territories make up about 3 percent. of the city area. Protected cultural heritage sites create a unique face of Vilnius - they are an inseparable part of this city. We want them to maintain their uniqueness in the urban context. Wooden Šnipiškės has the potential to become a unique place in the city, where historical and modern wooden architecture are harmoniously combined", says L. Kairienė.
Are all wooden buildings really protected in Šnipiškės, even wooden sheds and outdoor toilets?
NO. Woodsheds, storerooms, toilets are marked in the territory boundary plan as other buildings that can be demolished. Warehouses can also be reconstructed by adapting, e.g. when installing the engineering equipment required for households (heating devices, etc.).
What will be stored in Medine Šnipiškės?
- Objects of cultural heritage
These are 8 wooden and brick buildings or their complexes, which are subject to heritage protection requirements. Construction work can be carried out in these buildings, as long as their valuable properties are not affected. The height of buildings can be up to 2 or 3 floors with attic. - Objects with characteristics of valuable properties
These are 82 buildings that may have preserved valuable elements such as decoration details, structures or other architectural solutions. Before starting the reconstruction, it is necessary to carry out research to determine their valuable properties. If such characteristics are not established, the buildings become objects of the urban structure. - Objects of urban structure
There are 211 such objects in the wooden Šnipiškės. These are buildings that can be managed, reconstructed or rebuilt, the most important thing is to maintain the style of building arrangement characteristic of the district. - Urban values of the area
Historic street network and building types, greenery, boundaries of historic estates (which have survived). Streets and surroundings can be managed, but it is necessary to maintain the historical structure and greenery.
Was the decision to declare Šnipiške a heritage site coordinated with the community and other interested groups?
YES. The social and anthropological researches of the Šnipiškii area that have been carried out for many years have revealed that the local community feels a special connection with its living environment, so the social value of the area has been identified together with the local residents. The community has been communicated and discussed since 2024. beginning There were meetings with spies and joint activities. If residents express a need, help organize meetings of the Residents' Working Group. The group of active residents on their own initiative prepared the "Manifesto of Local Residents", which emphasizes the need to preserve the values of wooden Šnipiškii and ensure sustainable and harmonious development.
This autumn, together with the community, an open yard day was organized in wooden Šnipiškės.
From 2024 In February, residents of the wooden Šnipiškii started to be sent information about the current affairs of the area special newsletters, which reach subscribers every month.
The decision on the heritage site was made by the Immovable Cultural Heritage Assessment Council of the city of Vilnius. This council consists of independent experts in their fields (heritage conservation, architecture, archaeology, etc.). The question of the expansion of the territory was discussed at two meetings - on October 18 and 25. Both meetings were attended by residents and their representatives, who were given the opportunity to express their opinions and arguments on the issue under consideration, which were evaluated by the council. The Council also evaluated the written comments received in advance.
You can find more about meetings with residents here.
Will homes in a heritage area lose value because of the restrictions?
In the long run, real estate prices in exclusive areas of the city only rise and become more valuable over time. As it is Old town, Medinė Šnipiškės is a heritage area that is unique and therefore valuable. In these territories, construction and reconstruction are possible, but only with the knowledge of heritage specialists, and this allows to ensure the preservation of the valuable features of the area. Similar wood heritage sites exist in neighboring countries. For example, in the wooden heritage area of Kalamaja in Tartu, real estate prices have overtaken Tartu's Old Town due to the fact that citizens are happy to live in sustainable, wooden, low-rise buildings.
Are residents provided with assistance to organize their homes and improve their quality of life?
Residents who want to manage their housing located in the Mediniai Šnipiškii area can use the support of the Vilnius heritage management program. Up to 70% is compensated. research, design costs, as well as 70 percent. costs incurred during maintenance works on facades, roofs, and main internal structures of wooden buildings. Not only financial support is provided for the restoration of wooden windows and doors - residents are advised by an architect and craftsman regarding the performance and quality of the work. More information about the program www.vilniauspaveldas.lt.
What changes are still planned in this area?
The streets of Giedraičiai and Fino have been repaired in a few years. There are even two public spaces: Drakon's Meadow and Šnipiškiu Square. All these spaces were created together with the residents.
The municipality also plans to renovate two wooden buildings in the area: to establish a community center and a woodworker's workshop, and the renovation of historic streets is also planned.
