Fresh from Vilnius remembering the hustle and bustle of industry – try the route through the renovated district of the capital

Rinse with water

Riverside until 1939. was called Paplauja (Paplavai), because this “canyon” ravaged by water is constantly bathed by Vilnius from the north and its springs from the south. The latter are worthy of a separate place in the history of Vilnius water supply, according to a press release issued by the Vilnius Municipality.

The Žiuproniai springs that flowed here supplied water to the townspeople, and some of the ancient springs in the missionary monastery garden were called missionary springs. A water pumping station powered by electric pumps was also built here. XX a. In the early 1800s, the springs lost their meaning as a well, but the ponds remained. And now in Paupis we can still enjoy the ponds that are reminiscent of the missionary times. Pond Park is a long-standing venue for community gatherings and celebrations.

The industrial heart of the city

XVIII – XIX a. After the dismantling of the Vilnius defensive wall in the early 19th century, the rediscovered Paplauja turned out to be a very convenient place for merchants, industrialists and craftsmen from various nations to live. We can consider this district as the first industrial district of Vilnius, because there was a high concentration of factories here: fur and leather processing, factories of beer and electricity metering devices, other industries. Until World War II, it was a large Jewish area.

Now the industry is almost gone, making Riverside raw, alive, and amazing. Those who travel the route will not only learn what Paplauja was like in the past, but will also visit the newest places in the area. Until the quarantine is announced in the country, we invite you to travel responsibly along the new route, wearing masks and not meeting. You can find the Paupis route HERE.

“New buildings in the city are the daily routine of all cities. However, the fact that the entire city district was reborn or created anew at the same time is very unique. Therefore, we invite residents of Vilnius to discover not only the new architecture in this area, but also what was here before, the historical origins of Paupis, ”said Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius.