Publications
‘To entirely recreate its authenticity’: the transition in Lithuanian urban conservation in the 1980s–1990s
The inscription of the Vilnius Historic Centre onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing international recognition of Lithuania's urban heritage and its re-established independence. This study reveals how Soviet-era conservation practices, despite their flaws—such as ineffective implementation and methodological principles like 'sanation' that undermined authenticity—were paradoxically validated post-independence. The research explores the transition from centralized Soviet approaches to emerging civic rights and romantic reconstruction ideas, highlighting the interplay between heritage conservation, national identity, and global recognition. By analyzing the 1987 Vilnius Old Town Regeneration Project, this work provides a nuanced understanding of how heritage practices shape post-Soviet landscapes.
Development of Orientation Skills in Second Grade: Experiences of Participants in the Educational Process
An orienteering hike for second-grade students in Vilnius Old Town successfully developed their orientation skills, including navigation, spatial thinking, and map reading. The activity, designed during a teaching practice, engaged 11 stations with exercises that enhanced attentiveness, teamwork, and environmental connection while maintaining optimal time management. Analysis of worksheets and student reflections highlighted the hike's effectiveness in fostering historical, cultural, and natural awareness. However, future implementations should refine exercise formulation for clarity and provide structured resources to ensure equal participation opportunities.
The HuT Virtual Field Visits in Demonstrator 4 (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Virtual Field Visits (VFVs) for Vilnius, Lithuania, offer an innovative approach to studying urban flood risks in UNESCO-listed historic centers. These digital tools analyze preconditions and spring runoff flood events, providing a scalable model for other European cities. By leveraging high-resolution data and interactive visualizations, researchers can assess vulnerabilities in the Neris River valley's urban fabric—one of Eastern Europe's best-preserved medieval Old Towns. This study bridges gap between conservation and climate resilience, demonstrating how VFVs enhance risk assessment without physical site disturbance.
Archaeological Data from the Territory of the Architectural Ensemble of Vilnius University: A Contribution to the History of Vilnius City and Vilnius University
Archaeological research spanning over six decades at Vilnius University's architectural ensemble has revealed critical insights into the transformation of Vilnius' old town from its earliest settlement phases to its current status as a leading academic institution. The study, which systematically analyzed cultural layers and their distribution across the university complex, identified remnants of one of the city's first cemeteries, providing a unique window into Vilnius' layered history. By integrating archaeological data with historical, architectural, and legislative research, the findings offer a comprehensive narrative of urban development and institutional evolution in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This work addresses a significant gap in academic literature by placing archaeological evidence at the forefront of historical narratives about Vilnius University.
Expression and characteristics of spatial distribution of architectural styles in the historic urban landscape of Lithuania (the cases of the old towns of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda)
A unique regionalization of historic urban landscapes in Lithuania's old towns—Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda—reveals distinct spatial patterns of architectural styles shaped by composition, urban structure, and morphological elements. The study leverages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating architectural historiography, cultural heritage data, and geospatial analysis to map and categorize building styles in a GIS database. This methodology uncovers nuanced differences in stylistic expression across the three cities, illustrated through photo collages. The findings contribute to understanding the artistic diffusion and spatial organization of historic urban landscapes, offering insights for conservation and urban planning.
Imperialization of street names as part of the cultural appropriation of urban space in late imperial Vilnius
Late imperial Vilnius saw a systematic yet largely unsuccessful attempt by the tsarist elite to 'imperialize' its urban landscape, particularly through street names, as part of broader cultural appropriation efforts. This study reveals that despite intense state-led interventions—aimed at countering Polish influence—the local public resisted these changes, clinging to traditional place-names. The research combines critical place-name studies with the 'imperial turn,' demonstrating how imperial power dynamics shaped urban space in borderland towns, with Vilnius serving as a key case study of failed cultural assimilation.
Obraz dziedzictwa litewskiego w mikronarracjach Polaków – spojrzenie turystyczne
Polish tourists' micro-narratives on Tripadvisor reveal a nuanced image of Lithuanian heritage, shaped by experiences at Vilnius Old Town, Gediminas Castle Tower, and Užypis. The study identifies key themes in cultural tourism narratives, highlighting how visitors perceive and construct the significance of these sites. By analyzing 180-word reviews through a three-phase travel model, researchers uncovered patterns in tourist perceptions, contributing to understanding the co-creation of heritage imagery in digital spaces.
Preserving and Creating Urban Heritage in 20th-Century Lithuania
A significant shift in Lithuanian urban heritage protection occurred during the second half of the 20th century, transitioning from preserving historical sites to recognizing Soviet modernism as cultural heritage. The study highlights how post-1956 reconstruction efforts in Vilnius established a dual-tiered protection system and institutional framework, achieving both local and international recognition by the mid-1980s. However, the collapse of the Soviet state in the 1990s posed challenges, forcing a transition from state-controlled regeneration to private property regulations while questioning the long-term success of these efforts.
The earliest development of the Vilnius Franciscan Church and monastery area
Recent archaeological excavations, including those conducted in 2023, have provided new insights into the chronology and earliest development of the Vilnius Franciscan Church and monastery area. This study challenges previous broad dating estimates, which ranged from the early 14th to the beginning of the 15th century, by integrating radiocarbon dating, analysis of archaeobotanical remains, and architectural research. The findings suggest a more precise timeline for human activity in this territory, contributing significantly to our understanding of the evolution of Vilnius' Catholic community and its urban landscape during the late Middle Ages.
Air Pollution Sources and Their Impact on the Environment
A study on air pollution in Vilnius Historic Centre reveals declining levels of particulate matter (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO), while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations remained relatively stable from January 2020 to December 2022. The research highlights the predominant anthropogenic sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, and emphasizes the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in monitoring pollution and identifying hotspots. A calculation model developed in MatLab was used to assess pollution trends, underscoring the importance of government regulations, technological advancements, and public participation in mitigating air quality impacts on public health and the environment.
The Earliest Catholic Burial Sites in Medieval Vilnius
Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that Vilnius, Lithuania, had multiple early Catholic burial sites operating before the country's official conversion to Christianity. The study identifies potential locations for these cemeteries, including near the Church of St Anne in the Vilnius castles area, associated with the Church of St Nicholas in the Old Town, and around the parish Church of St John. Written records, such as Jogaila’s privilege of 1387, and archaeological findings, including human bone accumulations, support these claims. The research combines historical documentation with archaeological data to reconstruct the likely sites where the first Catholic community in Vilnius buried their dead during the 14th century.
Wilno mityczne we współczesnej prozie litewskiej
The myth of Vilnius' founding emerged as a powerful symbol in Lithuanian art and literature following the restoration of independence, reflecting national identity and civic pride. This study reveals that the city's landscape and architecture blend archaic Baltic imagery with Christian elements, activating ancient cultural narratives. Focusing on works by Antanas Ramonas and Ričardas Gavelis, the research highlights two contrasting visions of mythical Vilnius—divine and demonic, hopeful and hopeless—illuminating divergent perspectives on history, humanity, and existence in modern Lithuanian prose.
Air quality investigation using functional data analysis methods
A comprehensive analysis of air pollution in six Lithuanian regions reveals no significant differences in particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations between the studied groups. The study employs advanced functional data analysis methods, including data smoothing, principal component analysis (PCA), exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and time series analysis, to uncover deep patterns within large datasets. These techniques demonstrate their effectiveness in addressing air quality challenges and enable reliable forecasting for PM10 in regions such as Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius Lazdynai, Šiauliai, and Klaipėda. For NO2, successful forecasting is applicable to Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius Lazdynai, and Šiauliai. This research provides valuable insights into air quality dynamics across Lithuanian regions.
Dietary Stories of One Household: Multi-proxy Study of Food Remains at Dominikonų St. 11 in Vilnius Between 15th-18th Century
A multi-proxy study of food remains from Dominikonų St. 11 in Vilnius reveals significant dietary shifts between the 15th and 18th centuries, marking a transition from a grain and cattle-based diet to one enriched with imported oysters, veal, game, and wines during the Palace period. This research combines archaeological artifacts, historical datasets, zooarchaeological data, and archaeobotanical evidence to reconstruct dietary changes in relation to architectural development and spatial distribution. The findings highlight the evolving culinary practices of a household in Vilnius Old Town, reflecting broader socio-economic transformations over three centuries.
The Bell Tower of the Vilnius Cathedral – History and the Present
The Bell Tower of the Vilnius Cathedral stands as one of Lithuania's oldest and best-preserved brick structures, dating back to the 13th century. Originally part of the city's defensive wall, its ground floor remains largely intact, offering a glimpse into medieval architecture. The tower is renowned for its historical significance, including the installation of six large bells in 2002—a gift from the Archdiocese of Cologne—and the preservation of an ancient clock mechanism, installed in 1672 and last repaired in 1803. This clock, once the city's main timekeeper after a town hall collapse, features a rare bell cast in 1673 by Vilnius-based bellfounder Jan Delamars, adorned with intricate Latin inscriptions and religious iconography. The study highlights the tower's dual role as both a vertical landmark of Vilnius' Old Town and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.
Wileński brat wawelskiego Zygmunta i jego dramatyczne losy
The belfry of Vilnius Archcathedral Basilica stands as one of the most significant vertical landmarks and symbols of Vilnius, with its 13th-century origins tied to defensive walls. This structure is notable for its well-preserved brickwork, dating back to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania era, where bells were often cast alongside cannons in weapon foundries. A key finding is the historical significance of the belfry's clock, installed in 1672 and repaired in 1803 under Vilnius clock makers' guild supervision, which became the city's main clock after a town hall collapse. Additionally, six large bells gifted to Vilnius in 2002 by the Archdiocese of Cologne highlight the belfry's enduring cultural importance.
Artificial Neural Networks for Modelling and Predicting Urban Air Pollutants: Case of Lithuania
A study on Vilnius, Lithuania, reveals that sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are the primary pollutants affecting air quality in the city's Old Town. Using a 2-layer artificial neural network, researchers achieved high accuracy in predicting and warning about air pollution, identifying SO2 as the most significant pollutant with a normalized importance of 100%, followed by CO at 59%. The study utilized a multilayer perceptron network (MLPN1) with a hyperbolic tangent activation function to analyze data from post-loop traffic implementation in 2020. This approach provides reliable data for air pollution management, addressing the challenges posed by urban expansion and increased industrial and vehicular activity.
Identity of historical areas of a city: interaction between nature and man
Urban identity is shaped by the dynamic interaction between human-made structures and natural landscapes, with both elements playing pivotal roles in defining historical areas. This study highlights that the physical environment—including terrain, rivers, and built-up ensembles—and intangible cultural factors collectively contribute to a place's visual uniqueness and cultural significance. Analyzing Vilnius' historic suburbs revealed how urban design, architecture, and landscape adaptations reflect natural conditions while fostering deliberate identity formation. The research underscores that urban identity is not static but evolves through intentional design interventions, challenging conventional perceptions of preservation in globalized contexts.
Imported tableware and socio-cultural change in the urban community: The case of early modern Vilnius
Archaeological evidence from Vilnius old town reveals significant socio-cultural shifts in early modern dining practices, marked by a substantial increase in imported tableware. Unlike the medieval period, where such items were rare and exclusive to the elite, 16th- and 17th-century imports—including Dutch, Italian, German, and Ottoman pottery—became widespread across social classes, particularly among nobles, monks, and nuns. This shift suggests that imported tableware was not merely a marker of status but integrated into daily rituals, reflecting broader European influences on Vilnius society. The study analyzes archaeological material to trace the adoption and distribution of these wares, providing insights into how urban lifestyles and dining traditions evolved during this period.
Polish Language in the Linguistic Landscape of Vilnius
In Vilnius' historic center, Polish language signs are scarce in public spaces due to administrative barriers and societal preferences for more prestigious languages. A study analyzing 52 inscriptions from December 2021 to May 2022 revealed that Polish is predominantly used orally rather than in writing, reflecting the multilingual nature of Poles in Vilnius. Signs were classified as monolingual, polyphonic, or mixed and further divided into public and private categories. The research highlights how systemic penalties against non-Lithuanian signs and the tendency to anonymize by adopting majority languages limit Polish visibility in the city's linguistic landscape.
Vilniaus, kaip gailestingumo ir piligrimystės miesto, tapatybė
Vilnius's identity as a city of mercy and pilgrimage is deeply rooted in its cultural and religious heritage, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of both residents and visitors. A study published in Logos reveals that sustainably integrating this heritage into urban spaces fosters authentic encounters with the city’s history, religion, and culture. Using ethnographic fieldwork data collected between 2018–2022, tourism sources, and historical records—including the diary of St. Faustina Kowalska—the research demonstrates how religious sites and narratives can create a unique urban atmosphere while contributing to a broader European identity. The findings suggest that deliberate preservation and storytelling around heritage can enhance cultural understanding and pilgrimage experiences.
The City Left Behind: Changes in the Ethnic Composition of Vilnius During and After World War II
Vilnius, once a multi-ethnic city with a Polish majority, underwent dramatic demographic shifts during and after World War II. Initially under Lithuanian authority, the arrival of Soviet troops halted Lithuanianization efforts, easing tensions between Poles and Lithuanians. The German invasion in 1941 led to the extermination of the Jewish population, while the Polish Home Army briefly controlled rural areas before the Soviet Red Army liberated Vilnius in 1944. Post-war, the city became Russian-dominated, with Lithuanians eventually becoming the majority due to Soviet policies like collectivization. This study reveals how geopolitical changes and violence reshaped Vilnius' ethnic composition, leaving a lasting demographic impact despite the preservation of its historic center.
“Vilnius. A Baroque City”: Changing Perceptions of Baroque Heritage during the Twentieth Century
Vilnius' Baroque heritage, recognized as the easternmost and northernmost European Baroque city, experienced shifting perceptions during the 20th century. Research on this topic evolved significantly across three periods: a dynamic inter-war era marked by intellectual debate, a stagnant Soviet period characterized by vague and unproductive studies, and a post-independence revival since 1990. The study highlights how political contexts influenced methodologies and interpretive models, with the Soviet era imposing new values on Baroque art to align with socialist ideals. This research approach analyzed these shifts through historical analysis of scholarly works and architectural reinterpretations.
Humanizing Vilnius old town by the sump measures: when less is more
A significant reduction in traffic flow and the elimination of transit traffic in Vilnius' Old Town can be achieved through smart traffic organization measures, thereby humanizing the area for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. The study proposes a Loop Traffic Scheme that restricts vehicle entry/exit to specific areas, combined with innovative technological solutions such as smart parking, ridesharing systems, integrated pedestrian and bicycle routes, and advanced traffic control tools. By analyzing different traffic organization and parking measures, the research evaluates their efficiency and suggests best practices from other cities. The proposed methodology aims to reopen public spaces in the Old Town, enhancing its accessibility and livability while preserving its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Soviet Modernism in the Historic Context. The Cases of Vilnius and Panevėžys City Centers
Soviet modernism significantly altered the historic contexts of Lithuanian city centers, particularly in Vilnius and Panevėžys, during the 1960s to 1990s. The study reveals that architectural changes varied across decades, reflecting distinct approaches to integrating new construction with historical settings. This period marked a transition in building practices, often compromising the individuality and singularity of historic centers. By analyzing distinctive buildings in these cities, the research demonstrates how Soviet modernism both advanced urban development while challenging the preservation of cultural heritage.
Assessment of Priority Options for Preservation of Historic City Centre Buildings using MCDM (ARAS)
A systematic approach using the ARAS method of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) has been developed to prioritize the preservation needs of historic buildings in Vilnius' city center, addressing challenges posed by national regulations and public/investor demands. The study identifies key indicators—archaeological, historical, architectural, economic, and social—to assess whether buildings require reconstruction, emphasizing the need for precise, well-reasoned decisions to avoid costly errors. This method provides a structured framework for balancing cultural heritage preservation with practical utilization, offering a model applicable to similar urban contexts.
Vilniaus Miesto Centro Urbanistinės-Architektūrinės ir Paveldosaugos Problemos
Urban development in Vilnius' Historic Centre faces critical challenges in balancing cultural heritage preservation with sustainable expansion. The study identifies three key issues: protecting intangible and tangible cultural assets, ensuring stable urban growth, and enhancing the architectural and natural uniqueness of the city centre. Specific recommendations are proposed for regenerating buildings along major streets like Gedimino and Konstitucijos avenues, aligning with Vilnius' Official Plan (2007-2015). By integrating historical context with modern urban planning, this research offers actionable strategies to safeguard Vilnius' heritage while fostering sustainable development. The approach combines urbanistic, architectural, and conservation principles to address the complex dynamics of a rapidly evolving city centre.
Architectural Development of Historic Health Care Institutions in Vilnius City
Historic health care institutions in Vilnius, initially integrated into religious complexes, evolved from simple treatment spaces to independent public institutions with distinct architectural and urban significance. This study reveals their transformation from 15th-century convent-based facilities to standalone hospitals by the 18th–19th centuries, marked by shifting functions—from isolation to healing—and spatial reconfiguration within sacral complexes. Analysis of selected cases in Vilnius Old Town demonstrates that urban relocation paralleled functional evolution, with health complexes becoming integral to the cityscape as vertical landmarks ('architectural hills') and centers for social aid, culture, and religion. The research underscores their enduring public role and provides a foundation for future architectural and municipal policies, particularly amid Lithuania's ongoing healthcare system reforms.
Soviet Vilnius: Ideology and the Formation of Identity
During the Soviet era, Vilnius underwent significant transformations to align with Soviet ideology, reshaping its identity through architectural changes, street renamings, and new monuments. The study reveals that these modifications were not merely physical but also aimed at altering historical narratives, myths, and symbols to legitimize the regime and indoctrinate citizens. By analyzing tangible signs like urban development and intangible elements such as revolutionary myths, the research demonstrates how Soviet authorities sought to erase old historical identities while fostering a new Soviet identity rooted in progress, the Great Patriotic War, and revolutionary ideals.
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