Vilnius Attractions
Jewish memorial © ilesdelamadeleine
Jewish Memorials
In the early 20th century about half of the population of
Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the
'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively
obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed
wire and eventually marching the 60,000 or so residents into the
Paneriai forest where they were executed. Today the Genocide Museum
has been established at the killing field in memory of the horror.
There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life, and
visitors are also welcome at the only remaining Vilnius synagogue.
Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the
former Jewish Quarter. Tours of Jewish Vilnius are offered by
several private operators.
Address: Genocide Museum, Agrastu 17; Exposition of Holocaust, Pamenkalnio 12; Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum, Pylimo 4; Synagogue, Pylimo 39;
E-mail: jewishmuseum@jmuseum.lt;
Website: www.jmuseum.lt;
Telephone: Exposition of Holocaust: (526) 20730 and Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: (521) 27912;
Opening time: The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm. Exposition of Holocaust: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Fridays 9am to 4pm
