Important information
Jewish gravestones dismantled from the steps of the capital’s Tauras Hill returned to the cemetery

Nuotr. Sauliaus Žiūros
The Jewish gravestones barbarically used for the construction of stairs in the Soviet era on Tauras Hill near the Lutheran Church Garden will finally be properly repaired – their dismantling began today.
The fragments of gravestones will be transported for safekeeping to the territory of the old Jewish cemetery of Vilnius (on both sides of Kirkuto Alley).
New stairs will be installed during the construction of the National Concert Hall, and the paths of the Lutheran Church Garden will be connected to the NCH terrace.

Nuotr. Sauliaus Žiūros
The Vilnius City Municipality consulted with representatives of the Jewish community and the Department of Cultural Heritage regarding the demolition of the stairs constructed from memorial stones. More than 1,000 tonnes of fragments of memorial stones found in various parts of the city are already stored in the old Jewish cemetery of Vilnius in Šnipiškės and the territory of the old Jewish cemetery of Vilnius in Užupis (Olandų st.). In the Soviet era, they were used in the construction of transport infrastructure and buildings. Memorial stones with inscriptions were taken to the site near the old Jewish cemetery at Olandų st. from the territory of T. Kosciuškos, Latvių, Vytauto streets and the Western bypass. Many places, where objects built from fragments of Jewish gravestones have been recorded, have already been repaired – the memorial stones have been dismantled, and in cases where the structures are not yet planned to be demolished (in Lazdynai (Žėručio st. 4), Antakalnis, in the territory of the Vilnius City Clinical Hospital and near the retaining wall, located at Vytenio st. 6), they have been marked with information boards by the city municipality after consulting with the Jewish community.
A part of the previously dismantled gravestone fragments from various buildings has been returned to the territory of the historical old Jewish cemetery of Vilnius in Užupis, where it is planned to install a memorial and properly perpetuate the memory of the townspeople buried here.

Nuotr. Sauliaus Žiūros
The Užupis cemetery in Vilnius was used from 1830 to 1963, where Jewish townspeople who lived in Vilnius at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century were buried. In 1961, the Soviet authorities passed a resolution to liquidate the old Jewish cemetery of Vilnius in Užupis, and the gravestones were used instead of building materials (for stair treads, retaining walls or the decoration of façades of transformer stations), often without even trying to carefully erase the inscriptions carved on them. After the destruction of the cemetery, the Jewish cemetery of Užupis turned into a wasteland covered with occasional vegetation.
A few years ago, the 11-hectare area of the old Jewish cemetery on Olandų street was renovated for visitors – avenues of trees, paths, information stands were installed, and the nearby forest was properly arranged.
Photograph by Sauliaus Žiūra
Marketing and Communication Department, [email protected]
Also read:
A celebration for children from Ukraine by the Christmas tree at the Cathedral Square
During the period between Christmas and New Year, Ukrainian children living in Vilnius will gather for a fun winter celebration at the Cathedral Square. On 28 December, from 4 pm to 7 pm, hundreds of volunteers will welcome Ukrainian children at the Christmas tree, baking doughnuts, serving tea... ❯❯❯
2022-12-22
Incentives offered by Vilnius have already attracted nearly 200 new teachers to schools
The capital city stepped into the new school year offering an innovation – cash incentives to attract talents to schools. And the idea worked out – by the end of October, 190 new teachers joined 90 educational institutions in Vilnius. Sholom Aleichem Gymnasium, Viršuliškės School,... ❯❯❯
2022-12-16
Top 5 Winter Allures in Vilnius This Season: Costume Run, Skating in Century-Old Prison, Fairytale-Like Markets, and More
November 15, 2022. Christmas season is almost upon the world, and Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is rapidly awakening its holiday spirit. From admiring the Christmas tree—which tends to make the most beautiful tree lists each year—to participating in a holiday run, the city has... ❯❯❯
2022-11-15
Vilnius awarded its restaurant ecosystem with real stars in sky
November 9, 2022. When it comes to food culture, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has a gastro scene worthy of international recognition. Talented modern chefs combine traditional cuisine with contemporary trends to create the ultimate dining experience. Vilnius’ culinary talents check all... ❯❯❯
2022-11-09
Support concerts in Vilnius on the Independence Day of Ukraine
Several events will be held on the 24th of August – the Independence Day of Ukraine – to support the country suffering from war. The most famous Ukrainian DJs will invite the Vilnius residents and guests to join the solidarity event on the meadow by the White Bridge and thus, to express... ❯❯❯
2022-08-08
Vilnius Christmas Town is getting ready for season 2022 already – traders are invited to submit applications
The traditional Vilnius Christmas Town, without which the programme “Christmas in Vilnius” could not be imagined, announces an open invitation to businesspersons for trade and calls to submit applications before 12 September inclusive. The trade in Christmas town is planned from 26... ❯❯❯
2022-07-25