Užupis Republic

Head out to enjoy the bohemic Užupis Republic, where a lot of artists live and work. In 1995, a group of Lithuanian artists and intellectuals erected a statue of Frank Zappa in the nation’s capital Vilnius. Two years later, on April Fool’s Day 1997, the city’s bohemian quarter declared itself an independent Republic, replete with approximately 12 man army.

Užupis is sometimes compared to Monmartre in Paris or Christiania in Copenhagen. It has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches, one of the oldest graveyards in Vilnius (Bernardine Cemetery), seven bridges, and a guardian (the bronze angel of Užupis). It is great to stroll around or head there for the alternative fashion festivals, concerts, exhibitions & poetry evenings.