Bastion of the Vilnius Defence Wall (“Barbakanas”)

A favourite meeting place for city residents, thanks to the views and the breath of history that recalls Vilnius's complicated but colourful past. The 17th-century fortification was built by the German engineer Friedrich Getkant. Vilnius was originally enclosed by a round wall, which was later supplemented by the Bastion (a tower, a tunnel and an artillery position). Over the years the structure lost its purpose, until during the war it was finally turned into a German weapons store. Over its lifetime, however, it has become wrapped in many legends. For example, that a tunnel ran from here all the way to Trakai Castle. Another legend is linked to the Basilisk (a creature with features of a rooster and a lizard) that lived here. The Vilnius Basilisk was first mentioned during the reign of Sigismund Augustus, and people tried to destroy it by lowering bunches of rue into its cellar. For many centuries, right up to the present day, Vilnius University students have honoured this creature once a year. How you picture the "barbican" is up to you, but seeing and sensing the spirit lurking underground and travelling back in history as you walk through the tunnel is a great way to get to know Vilnius.