Gediminas Monument Near The Cathedral

The bronze sculpture of Duke Gediminas is placed near a horse, facing the Cathedral Bell Tower. He holds a sword in his left hand and blesses the city with his right hand.

Gediminas was the founder of Trakai and Vilnius, and one of the most famous rulers of ancient Lithuania. Gediminas lived from 1275 to 1341 and ruled the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for 25 years. He moved the capital of Lithuania from Trakai to Vilnius. He was best known as a diplomat who drew Europe's attention to Lithuania. It was in Gediminas' letters to Western Europe in 1323 that first mention the name of Vilnius. This date is now considered to mark the beginning of Vilnius.

The area of Lithuania doubled in size during Gediminas' rule. He extended the state borders and sphere of influence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the far east and to the south.Read more