Simonas Daukantas Square

Simonas Daukantas Square

Simonas Daukantas Square (S. Daukanto aikštė) is one of the Old Town's most photogenic open spaces, framed by the elegant Presidential Palace on one side and the historic buildings of Vilnius University close by. Named after the 19th-century historian who wrote the first history of Lithuania in the Lithuanian language, the square is widely admired for its beauty, cleanliness and sense of space — a picturesque spot for a slow walk, a photo or a pause on one of its benches.

Its set-piece moment comes every Sunday at 12:00, when a short, solemn flag-changing ceremony is held in front of the Presidential Palace. Soldiers of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Honour Guard Company take part — some in modern full dress and others in historic, medieval-style uniforms — opening with trumpets and drums before the flags are lowered, replaced and raised again. The ceremony lasts only a few minutes but is a popular fixture and a fine free thing to time your visit around.

On quieter days without an event the square can feel calm and uncrowded, which many visitors enjoy for an early-morning or evening stroll. It sits within easy reach of Cathedral Square, the university courtyards and Pilies gatvė, so it folds neatly into any Old Town walk — and it is one of the classic 'postcard' corners of central Vilnius.

Where it is

Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square — Lithuania's main Catholic cathedral with its freestanding belfry anchors the broad Cathedral Square at the foot of Castle Hill.