Remains of a tsarist fortress were discovered in the center of the capital

“The masonry was inaugurated in 2020. in autumn, during archaeological research (archaeologist R. Šmigelskas), during the reconstruction of the Neris embankments, during the construction of the bicycle and pedestrian path construction project. A platform was planned of observation in this place. However, the archaeological find slightly adjusted the solutions designed in the initial stage “, reads in the publication of the social network.

This is what was discovered:

“At first, it should be mentioned that the area on the right bank of the Neris has long been considered a suburb, which was not densely populated and was dominated by wooden houses. From the 16th century. the Fishermen’s Quarter is mentioned here. It is also known that in this environment until the nineteenth century. I p. a Jewish cemetery worked.

Originated in 1831. According to the order of the tsar, the construction of a defensive fortress was started on the territory of the Vilnius castles. The main fortifications included the Castle Hill and the Lower Castle territory, while the others were located on the Naked Hill, in the Botanical Garden part, in the Sluškės Palace, as well as on the right bank of the Neris. Trenches were dug around the entire territory of the fortress and protective dikes were placed behind them. Some of the fortress buildings were included in the defense system, some were demolished and replaced by an esplanade. It is believed that during the construction of the fortress approximately ¼ of the areas of the Jewish cemetery were destroyed.

The plan of the fortress, drawn up in 1833-34, shows the defensive fortifications installed on the right bank of the Neris and at least four new buildings were built on its territory. Various plans of the fortress help determine its purpose. Survive in 1836. The explanation of the plan indicates that in this part of the city there was a barracks (artillery), a workshop, a forge and another barracks building.
Using the plan matching method, it was possible to identify the structure that once stood on the pier. It turned out to be the base of the old artillery barracks building, built in 1831, and part of the base of the brick fence, ”the report says.

It goes on to say that it is not known exactly when these “military city” buildings were demolished, but an examination of historical plans and old photographs revealed that in the 20th century. At the turn of the 7-8 decades, the house was still standing.

“The photograph from that time, taken during the construction of the Vilnius Sports and Concert Hall, has survived. In it we still see one-story buildings of old barracks and workshops still standing.

In accordance with the proposals prepared by the Vilnius Municipality, it is planned to integrate this discovered base into the managed space of the Neris embankment. “