Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius Cathedral has always been a monumental spot for the citizens of Lithuania. Situated at the site of an ancient pagan temple, the Cathedral was built and rebuilt many times due to fires, wars, and other disturbances. The first cathedral was built here in the 13th century, same as the bell tower you see nearby, which houses the oldest clock in Vilnius. The current building, however, only dates back to the late 18th century, when it was reimagined and reconstructed according to the design of famous Lithuanian architect Laurynas Stuoka-Gucevičius.

These three nations stood in unity, holding their hands together and forming a record-winning human chain from Vilnius to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The chain began at Gediminas Castle, which you can see if you look up, went through the Cathedral square towards the northern parts of Lithuania, and all the way to the border of Latvia. Known throughout the world as the Baltic Way or Chain, this peaceful demonstration joined approximately 2 million people and covered around 690 km in length. Organized by Sąjūdis of Lithuania, Tautas fronte of Latvia, and Rahvarinne of Estonia, the initiative captivated the attention of the entire world, thus helping to loudly voice the legal and moral issues resulting from the occupation of the Baltic nations.

Known as part of the Singing Revolution, the Baltic Chain is one of the most beautiful gems of the Lithuanian pro-independence and dissident movements. In December of that same year, Soviet authorities finally, officially admitted to and condemned the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. In February 1990, the first free and democratic elections to the Supreme Soviets took place in the Baltic States, where pro-independence groups took the majority of the votes. In Lithuania, Sąjūdis won the election and, just a month later the re-instatement of Lithuanian independence was declared by the party.

Even though the Cathedral was converted into an art gallery during the time of the occupation –part of the anti-Catholicism policies of the Soviet Union – it remained an important focal point to gather our collective strength. By far the most important event took place here on the 23 of August 1989. Yes, you’re right – again, on the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. But this time, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia did something together, something the world had never heard of before.

Thus, on March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first republic to break free from the Soviet Union.