One of the favorite walking routes of Vilnius residents and guests of the city starts on Pilies street, and when the weather is nice, you don't need the Kaziuk fair to create traffic jams on the street.
So, this time about Pilies street - the oldest street in Vilnius in the old town.
The name of the Castle Street is mentioned in historical sources as early as the XNUMXth century, over time the street had other names: Pilies vigyoji, Wielka, Zamkowa, Большая, Замковая, Die Schlosgasse, Kanoniczna, M. Gorkio. The names changed with each new government.
The street was formed where there was the main road to the Vilnius Castle, leading from the Polish and Russian lands. Royal carriages, papal legates and envoys from other countries used to go to the castle on this street.
The original purpose of the street was commercial, so the street has been full of shops since its inception.
The block of Pilies Street used to be one of the most prestigious districts of the capital - noblemen, wealthy townspeople built their houses here, and the old Vilnius University professors. There was also a market on the street.
Although Vilnius burned several times, Pilies Street preserved the traces of ancient architecture: small courtyards, vaults, arcades, original stairs and cellars. The street suffered the most during the Second World War, but we should be happy that most of the buildings were repaired.
For your attention, a photo gallery of Pilies street - for those interested in a walk around the old town.
