Bernardine Garden
Vilniaus apskritis
Bernardine Garden, located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town near the Vilnelė River, is a historic park known for its rich botanical collections and cultural significance. Originally a sacred forest in the 13th–14th centuries, the area was transformed into cultivated gardens by Bernardine monks after 1469, who established churches and a monastery complex nearby. The park evolved into a botanical garden in the late 18th century under the guidance of university professors, featuring ponds, canals, and landscaped pathways. After periods of neglect following political upheavals, the garden was revitalized in the late 19th century as a public park designed by artist Aleksander Straus. Soviet-era modifications added recreational facilities, but after Lithuania regained independence, the park was restored to reflect its 19th-century design, including a central fountain, rose garden, and alpine garden. Today, it offers visitors a blend of historical ambiance, rare protected trees, water features, and leisure amenities such as playgrounds, chess tables, and a summer library, making it a serene urban oasis with deep historical roots.
ヒント: Visit Bernardine Garden during spring and summer for the best experience when flowers bloom and the fountains are active. Booking tickets is generally not required as it is a public park, but check the official website for any special events. Take advantage of the free amenities like the summer library and enjoy the peaceful walking paths early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The park is accessible and family-friendly, with playgrounds and open spaces for relaxation.
興味深い事実
- •The park contains the oldest oak tree in Vilnius, protected as a natural heritage object.
- •During construction of engineering systems, a 17th-century Vilnius quarter was discovered beneath the park, revealing historical urban layers.
- •The park was once part of a sacred pagan forest before Christianization in 1387.
- •Aleksander Straus, a graduate of the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts, designed the 19th-century public park layout.
- •The park was renamed 'Youth Garden' during the Soviet period and featured attractions like a carousel and stage, which were removed after independence.
歴史
The site of Bernardine Garden was originally a sacred forest near Gediminas Castle in the 13th–14th centuries, cleared after the Christianization of Lithuania in 1387.
In 1469, King Casimir IV Jagiellon invited Bernardine monks to Vilnius and granted them the land, where they built churches and a monastery and cultivated the grounds.
In the late 18th century, the garden was developed into a botanical garden under university professor Stanislovas Bonifacas Jundzilas.
Following the 1863 uprising, the monastery was closed and the garden fell into neglect.
In 1888, the city established a public park on the site, designed by Aleksander Straus.
The park underwent Soviet-era transformations but was restored after independence to its 19th-century form.
場所ガイド
Central Fountain and Rose Garden19th century
The central area features a musical and illuminated fountain surrounded by a formal rose garden, reflecting the 19th-century design by Aleksander Straus. It is a focal point for relaxation and gatherings.
Alpine Garden with PondEarly 20th century
An alpine garden area with a pond showcases a variety of water plants and stone compositions, restored to reflect early 20th-century botanical styles.
Bernardine Monastery Garden Section15th century (original), restored 19th century
This section preserves the historical layout of the original Bernardine monks’ garden, featuring classic geometric flowerbeds and pathways reminiscent of baroque and renaissance styles.
Protected Trees and Natural Heritage
The park hosts several protected trees, including a group of four oaks, a four-limbed linden, and the oldest oak in Vilnius, designated as natural heritage objects by the city.
連絡先
電話: (0-5) 261 1037