Kernavė Archaeological Site
Kernavės archeologinė vietovė
The earliest capital of Lithuania, where five ancient fortified mounds overlook the Neris valley. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Kernavė lies in the Neris River valley about 35 km northwest of Vilnius. In the 13th and 14th centuries it was an important capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and in 1390 it was burned by the Teutonic Order. The core of the site is five man-made fortified mounds. Climbing them offers wide views over the winding Neris River and the meadows. The site also contains traces of human settlement going back tens of thousands of years, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The archaeological museum at the foot of the hill displays artifacts found on site. Access to the outdoor area is free, and the museum costs about 5 euros and is closed on Mondays. The drive takes about 45 minutes, and public buses run infrequently.
Opening hours
Outdoors open all day; museum open Tue–Sat
Nearby sights
- Trakai Island Castle
- Paneriai Memorial
- Vilnius TV Tower
- Lukiškės Prison 2.0
- National Gallery of Art
- Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum)
- Gediminas Avenue
- MO Museum