Užupis means “beyond the river”, and this small hillside district across the Vilnia from the Old Town has made a whole identity of being slightly apart. Once neglected, it was adopted by artists in the 1990s, who declared the Republic of Užupis on 1 April 1997, complete with a president, a flag and a famous constitution. Its 41 articles, written by Romas Lileikis and Tomas Čepaitis, include “Everyone has the right to be unique” and a promise that the River Vilnia has the right to flow by everyone. The text is displayed on mirrored plaques along Paupio Street, translated into more than fifty languages. The bronze Angel of Užupis on its column marks the main square, and the lanes around it hold galleries, studios, street art and riverside cafés.
How to see it: cross the small bridge from the Old Town near St Anne’s and the Bernardine Church, where padlocks hang on the railings, and walk up Užupio Street to the Angel. Turn down Paupio Street to read the constitution in your own language, then wander the lanes and the river bank. The Užupis Art Incubator, galleries and murals reward a slow look.
What to expect: Užupis is a residential neighbourhood, not a theme park, so be respectful of people’s homes and courtyards. On 1 April the republic celebrates its independence day, with a playful passport stamp at the border and events through the district. On other days it is calm, with a creative, slightly scruffy charm.
Making the most of it: come in the late afternoon, have coffee or a drink by the river, then return to the Old Town for dinner. Combine it with the Church Heritage Museum, St Anne’s Church and the view from the hills above the district.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll through a small artists’ district across the Vilnia River.
Best time
Late afternoon for the light and café terraces; 1 April for the independence day fun.
How long
One to two hours.
Tips
Read the constitution on Paupio Street in your own language and respect the residents’ courtyards.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who likes quirky neighbourhoods, art and riverside cafés.
- Families
- Children love the angel, the murals and the idea of a pretend republic.
- Couples
- A riverside drink after a lazy wander through the galleries.
- Pair with
- St Anne’s Church, the Church Heritage Museum and Gediminas Tower.
- Time needed
- An hour or two.
Good questions
Is Užupis really a republic?+
No, it is a playful artistic declaration from 1 April 1997, though it has a president, a flag and a constitution.
Where is the Užupis constitution?+
On plaques along Paupio Street, translated into more than fifty languages.
Is it safe to visit?+
Yes, it is a calm residential and artistic neighbourhood; just respect private courtyards.
What happens on 1 April?+
The district celebrates its independence day with events and a playful border stamp.
Is it far from the Old Town?+
No, it is just across a small bridge over the Vilnia from St Anne’s Church.
