Wall of Vilnius

Vilnius city wall in the 16th century

Subačius Gate in the 18th century

The Vilnius city wall was a defensive wall around Vilnius, capital city of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was built between 1503 and 1522 for protection from the attacks by the Crimean Khanate at the beginning of the Muscovite–Lithuanian Wars. The stone and brick wall was a key element of the defensive system of Vilnius, and was paid for by the city's landowners. It contained nine gates and an artillery bastion. Some of the original constructions have survived.

• Subačius Gate was built at the end of what is now Holly Spirit street.
• Spas Gate was built near the Vilnia River in the eastern side of city.
• Wet Gate stood near Cathedral Square in Vilnius.
• Tatar Gate stood at the corner of Liejykla and Totoriai street.
• Vilija Gate stood at the corner of Vilnius and Bernardinai street.
• Trakai Gate was built at the corner of Trakai and Pylimas streets. It was the main gate of the city and contained (as did the Gate of Dawn) a chapel.
• Rūdininkai Gate stood at the end of the Rūdininkai street.
• Medininkai Gate guarded the entrance to the southern part of the city. It is now known as the Gate of Dawn.

An artillery bastion was built to protect the eastern side of the city. It is currently a museum of militaria from Vilnius and is under renovation.

Following the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian government ordered to tear down most of the wall and all the gates, except the Gate of Dawn. Some parts of the wall are still visible throughout the Old Town of Vilnius or are going to be restored and displayed.

References

• (in Lithuanian) Ragauskienė, R.; Antanavičius, D; Burba, D.; ir kt. Vilniaus žemutinė pilis XIV a. – XIX a. pradžioje: 2002–2004 m. istorinių šaltinių paieškos. Vilnius. 2006