Gediminas castle is a monument of culture and history in Vilnius. The castle is located in the Western part of the Castle hill – a hill, surrounded by rivers, which is a great place to build a castle, as well as the basis for a large enough settlement. The mountain itself is overgrown with trees and bushes.

The history of the castle of Gediminas batter connected with the history of Vilnius. If to judge according to the legend, which was accidentally discovered in the chronicle of Lithuania of the 16th century, we can say that the castle was built on the banks of the Vilna Duke Gediminas after he saw a strange dream. In the dream, the Prince dreamed invincible iron wolf: he stood on the hill, letting out a loud growl, like a school of tireless wolves. The priest in the pagan cult Lizdeika saw in this dream the will of the gods that commanded Gediminas to build on the banks of the river, the castle, and found a city that will soon become prosperous and powerful, and his glory will be distributed worldwide.

But there are other historical sources that claim that in 5-6 century at the mouth of the Vilna already existed a vast settlement, and the place chosen for the construction of the Prince, just had a good and suitable geographical location. But it is known that in 1230 the castle already had a place to be.

In order to get into the castle, you need to go to the tower by the road in 1895-1896, which has a spiral form or on funicular, built in 2003. Near the tower on Castle hill are the ruins and remains of the Upper castle are part of the defensive walls and foundations of the South tower.

The tower has not only historical and historical-cultural value, but also serves as an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Only in the 20th century, the tower acquired the emblem and the symbol of not only the city but the entire state of Lithuania. The image in the logo was replaced the true emblem of the city and was often used in various gifts and crafts.

Once changed, the conquerors and modes, immediately changed the flag on the tower. For the first time on the tower of Gediminas, the flag was raised at the beginning of 1919 a group of volunteers of the Lithuanian army led by Kazys of Skimpy. Next, the Lithuanian flag flying over the tower in August of 1920, just after the city of Vilnius was put into the hands of the Lithuanian authorities retreating Soviet troops. The second world war ended with the elevation on the tower the flag of the Lithuanian SSR. Movement Sajudis insisted on the ceremony of hoisting the flag of Lithuania, but at the time it was considered informal, but still not prohibited. In honor of this event on the tower was a memorable day, i.e. the day of the Flag of Lithuania, celebrated on 1 January. Still to this day, the solemn ceremony for changing the flag on the tower.

Ruins from the castle and the tower of Gediminas preserved only from the Upper castle is a late 14th-early 15th century on the Castle hill. It is believed that here since the 13th century there was a wooden castle. In 1365-1402 years from attacks of the crusaders suffered a Lower and Upper castles, which were later restored by the grandson of Gediminas, the great Lithuanian Prince Vitovt.

At Zama was used only the Bottom lock as representational and residential spaces. The upper castle was used as an Arsenal and Armory. With the development of artillery locks faster had lost its military role, and by the 17th century Upper castle was fully launched. At one time it was used as a prison for nobles.

During the war of Russia with the Commonwealth under Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, the city was captured by the Imperial troops. But soon the Polish-Lithuanian army managed to recapture the city, although to take Top lock them failed here found shelter Russian garrison under the command of Daniel Machackova. The siege of the castle lasted more than 16 months, finishing the surrender of the garrison. Since then, the castle was not restored any more.

Currently in the Western part of the Gediminas castle is a Museum dedicated to the history of Lithuania, which was opened in 1960. The Museum presents the exhibition, one of which presents a variety of archaeological finds and historical documents on the history of the castle.