Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall — Vilnius

Visiting the Artillery Bastion

The Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall — the Artillery Bastion, or Basteja — is the best-preserved piece of the city's old fortification line, built into the slope above Bokšto Street where the medieval wall once guarded the southern approach to the Old Town. A branch of the National Museum of Lithuania, it pairs an atmospheric tunnel-and-vault tour through the brick fortifications with a modern, interactive exhibition on the history of warfare and the defence of Vilnius.

It is an unusually good museum for families: the "learn by playing" approach lets visitors try on replica armour and pick up reproduction swords and weapons, and there are touchable models alongside the displays. Some visitors note the original artifact collection is on the smaller side, but the hands-on activities and the building itself — plus the panoramic terrace looking out over the Old Town rooftops and Užupis — make it a satisfying, well-rated stop.

• Address: Bokšto g. 20, Vilnius Old Town
• Opening hours: typically Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (ticket office closes 30 minutes earlier); confirm current hours before visiting
• Tickets (verify on arrival): around €6 adult / €3 reduced, with family tickets available
• Free admission is offered on a set day each month under the National Museum of Lithuania's policy — check the official site for the current date

Where it is

Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall — A restored 17th-century artillery bastion with tunnels and a museum of the city's old fortifications.