Vilniaus gynybinės sienos bastėja

About the museum

To ensure the safety of the town, Grand Duke Aleksandras granted the request of Vilnius residents in 1503 to build a defensive wall. Later, most likely in the early 17th century, a bastion became part of this wall: a structure made up of a tower, a horseshoe-shaped artillery section and a tunnel linking them. The bastion is believed to have been designed by the military engineer Frydrichas Getkantas. Systematic research began in 1965; over the following two decades the bastion was excavated and restored. For a time the Ginklų muziejus (Weapons Museum) operated here, and the building was later reconstructed.

Today it is the only heritage site of this type in Lithuania that houses a museum telling the story of the country’s defence. The exhibition displays artillery pieces and salute cannons, an arquebus, a hand bombard, a pistol, a rifle, parts of armour of Grand Duchy of Lithuania soldiers from the 17th–18th centuries, an executioner’s sword, locks from the town gates and engravings of town plans. It also tells the story of Kazimieras Simonavičius, author of the first artillery textbook in Europe.

Highlights

• Renaissance defensive structure: tower, horseshoe-shaped section and tunnel
• Artillery, armour and firearms
• The story of Kazimieras Simonavičius and his artillery textbook
• Touchable model of the bastion and a basilisk sculpture with its legends
• Free audio guide

Permanent exhibition

• Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės gynyba ir ginkluotė – The bastion displays artillery and firearms, armour and other objects that tell the story of Vilnius and the defence of the state.

Operated by

Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the last Sunday of every month, entry is free for all visitors; holders of the Vilnius Pass card are also admitted free of charge.

Reduced ticket: 50% discount on presentation of a valid card. Audio guide: free. Educational sessions for children aged 4 and over and for schoolchildren: €3.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the exhibition and the sanitary facilities are accessible to visitors with mobility impairments; a ramp is installed at the main entrance, and a car can be parked nearby. Information next to the main exhibits is provided in Braille. A special guide for visitors with visual impairments can be requested at the ticket office, and there is a 3D-printed model of the bastion as well as touchable reconstructions of armour and weapons. A video guide in Lithuanian Sign Language has been prepared for visitors with hearing impairments (QR code at the ticket office).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Family tickets and educational sessions for children aged 4 and over; touchable exhibits.

Getting there & parking

The museum entrance is from Bokšto gatvė.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit