Užupis Republic Constitution

Vilnius


The 'Republic' of Užupis's Constitution is engraved in English, French, Lithuanian and several other languages on plaques running along Paupio gatvė. It guarantees citizens, among other things, the right to hot water, to be free, to be happy (or unhappy) and to love. Cats, on the other hand, have the right not to love their owners. Death, however, is not an obligation.

The self-declared, unofficial Republic of Užupis (Užupio Republika) came into existence in the late 1990s, when the neighbourhood was growing into a hive of artistic and counter-culture activity. The tongue-in-cheek micronation continues to celebrate its 'Independence Day' annually on 1 April.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vilnius attractions

1. Užupis Angel

0.04 MILES

Since its erection in 2002, this statue of a trumpeting angel has come to symbolise Vilnius' quirkiest district.

2. Užupis Art Incubator

0.11 MILES

One of two branches of the creative powerhouse of the Užupis Republic, the Galera shows exciting temporary exhibitions by local talent and invites artists…

3. Cathedral of the Theotokos

0.15 MILES

An Orthodox church has stood here since Lithuania's late pagan days of the 14th century. Over the years it was burned, abandoned, rebuilt, transferred to…

4. Bernadine Church & Monastery

0.23 MILES

The massive buttresses and towering walls of this, one of the most impressive churches in Vilnius, are capable of providing defence as well as worship…

5. Artillery Bastion

0.24 MILES

This revamped 17th-century fortification houses a rich collection of weaponry and armour through the ages and the atmospheric tunnels are a joy to wander.

6. St Anne's Church

0.24 MILES

Flamboyant and Gothic St Anne's Church, a vision of undulating lines and red-brick arches, was built in 1500 on the site of a wooden church that burned to…

7. Subačiaus Gate

0.24 MILES

This restored section of the city walls gives a sense of their original scope.

8. St Michael the Archangel Church

0.24 MILES

This grand early-17th-century chuch, built by the Sapiega family, now houses a wonderful museum of sacral art. The building itself, with its single Gothic…