Literatai Street
Vilniaus apskritis
Literatai Street is one of the oldest streets in Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania, renowned for its unique outdoor gallery of artworks dedicated to writers and poets connected to Vilnius. The street is paved with cobblestones and borders Pilies, Rusų, and Andriaus Volano streets, comprising seven historic buildings. Historically, it was known for its printing houses, bookstores, and antiquarian shops, which earned the street its literary name. Notable among the buildings is the corner merchant house once owned by the burgomaster Liachovičius family, featuring distinctive massive architectural forms. Another significant building belonged to the Piasecki family, where the famous Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz stayed in 1823; a memorial plaque in Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian commemorates him. Adjacent to the street is the Vilnius University Botanical Garden, established in the late 18th century. Since 2008, a creative project has transformed the street’s walls into a commemorative space with over 225 dedications to local and international literati, making it a vibrant cultural landmark celebrating literary heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Literatai Street is during spring or summer when the outdoor artworks are easily appreciated in pleasant weather. Visitors are encouraged to explore the street leisurely to view the numerous commemorative plaques and art installations. Since the street is a public space with free access, no tickets are required. However, purchasing a guidebook or joining a local walking tour can enrich the experience by providing historical context. Nearby cafes and bookstores offer opportunities to rest and explore related literature. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid crowds and allow for better photography.
Interesting facts
- •Literatai Street features over 225 commemorative plaques and art pieces dedicated to writers and poets who lived in or visited Vilnius.
- •The Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz stayed in the Piasecki family house on Literatai Street in 1823.
- •The street was historically lined with printing houses, bookstores, and antiquarian shops, reflecting its literary heritage.
- •The Vilnius University Botanical Garden, founded in the late 18th century, is located just behind Literatai Street.
- •In 1925, the street was painted by artist Adomas Menziblockis, capturing its historic charm.
History
Literatai Street's name derives from its historical association with printing houses, bookstores, and antiquarian shops active from the 14th to 16th centuries.
Originally, the street was known as Pokrovo Street due to the Pokrovskaja Church located at its end in the medieval period.
Written records of the street's buildings date back to the 17th century.
Over the centuries, the street housed notable families such as the Liachovičius burgomasters and the Piasecki family, the latter hosting the famous poet Adam Mickiewicz in 1823.
The adjacent Vilnius University Botanical Garden was established nearby in the late 18th century.
In 2008, a creative initiative began to decorate the street's walls with literary-themed art, transforming it into a living tribute to writers connected to Vilnius.
Place Guide
Piasecki Family House18th-19th century
An 18th to early 19th-century building where the famous poet Adam Mickiewicz lived in 1823. The house features memorial plaques in Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian commemorating Mickiewicz and the Filaretai intellectual group.
Burgomaster Liachovičius House17th century or earlier
A two-story corner merchant house with unique massive architectural forms, historically owned by the burgomaster Liachovičius family and later the Romeri family.
Vilnius University Botanical GardenLate 18th century
Established in the late 18th century behind Literatai Street, this botanical garden was founded by Jean Emanuel Ziliberas and is one of the oldest university botanical gardens in the region.
