Lithuania is a small country in the Baltic states. Before I moved to live there, I had no idea where Lithuania was on the map, meaning I especially didn't know where užupis was.
Užupis is a small self-proclaimed "republic" inside the city of Vilnius. 146 acres to be exact. about 7,000 people (and 1,000 artist) call užupis home. it is known for being an artistic and Bohemian district of the city. Užupis has its own president, bishop, cemetery, seven bridges, anthem, constitution, and garden. užupis is one of the oldest districts in Vilnius and dates all the way back to the 16th century! This area used to be known as one of the bad parts of town and home to the poorest people in the city.
When Lithuania was controlled by the Soviet union the area started to ruin down completely and became the most dangerous area in Vilnius. Most of the districts population was killed during the holocaust. Eventually, the area was only home to prostitutes and homeless people. finally, Lithuania took back its independence in 1991. During this time land was very cheep in the capital city. many broke Artist came to live here and eventually the art academy was established in the neighborhood. Now, the area is a thriving community that is home to many fashion shows, festivals, concerts, and exhibitions.
in 1997, the Republic of užupis became declared along with its own flag, unofficial currency, and an army of about eleven men. their national holiday is "užupis day" is April 1st. The president of the republic is Romas Lileikis who is a poet, musician, and film director. It is unclear if the republic is recognized by government officials, but its spirit is alive and growing and that is the beginning of each great nation. To understand what the people of užupis truly stand for, you must read their constitution bellow:
"Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnele, and the River Vilnele has the right to flow by everyone. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof. Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation. Everyone has the right to make mistakes. Everyone has the right to be unique. Everyone has the right to love. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily. Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown. Everyone has the right to idle. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat. Everyone
has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies. A dog has the right to be a dog. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need. Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties. Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation. Everyone has the right to be happy. Everyone has the right to be unhappy. Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith. No one has the right to violence. Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance. [In Lithuanian this reads Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.] No one has the right to have a design on eternity. Everyone has the right to understand. Everyone has the right to understand nothing. Everyone has the right to be of any nationality. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday. Everyone shall remember their name. Everyone may share what they possess. No one can
share what they do not possess. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents. Everyone may be independent. Everyone is responsible for their freedom. Everyone has the right to cry. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood. No one has the right to make another person guilty. Everyone has the right to be individual. Everyone has the right to have no rights. Everyone has the right to not to be afraid. Do not defeat. Do not fight back. Do not surrender."
The word užupis is Lithuanian for 'behind the river' since you normally cross the river, VilnelE, before interning the community. This river contains the only mermaid in Lithuania. She isn't real sadly, but she lives on the embankment, and those who fall for her beauty will stay in užupis for a life time!
here is how to get to užupis:
leaving old town:To get from the Old town in Vilnius to the republic, you have a few choices. there are five bridges that cross the 'border'. (look at map bellow to see all options.) I recommend using the main bridge which is known as Užupio Undinele. this is the main entrance to the republic.
Arrival in užupis: Walk across the bridge and you are now officially in the Republic of užupis.
Getting your passport stamped: You might be interested in getting some random passport stamps. If so, once you cross the bridge, you will see a restaurant on your left with the flag of Užupis on it. just past this on the left is a narrow path and lane. Head down this lane. After about 100 meters or so, you will reach a crafts shop on your right, this is where you will get your stamp!
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