Ever heard of a prestigious cemetery? Antakalnis is considered as such and is divided into blocks. For example, the 25th block is called Artists' Hill. It’s an exceptional burial place where many writers, artists, actors, and musicians have been resting since the end of the 20th century.
Different people visit Artists' Hill every day: some come to visit or tidy up the graves of their relatives, others come to explore it like an open-air museum. Fans bring flowers to the graves of their favourite actors or singers, and others come to look at the gravestones that stand out for their originality and unconventionality. You can also get to know the history of Lithuanian art and literature by walking around Artists' Hill.
Antakalnis Cemetery, formerly known as Soldiers' Cemetery, was built in 1809 in the eastern part of Antakalnis, in a hilly pine forest, not far from small streets and houses.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a completely secluded place; the forest belonged to the most influential nobleman of the time – Sapiegos. Initially, there were different areas for the burial of laity, soldiers, and orphans. A single cemetery has since been formed.