In short

The Vilnius Compass is a popular meeting spot in the heart of the Old Town where locals, tourists and guides often stop by. It also serves as a business card of Vilnius as a modern city of culture and art.

The three-metre granite symbol is important to Vilnius. It represents the journey of the famous Lithuanian traveller Mikalojus Kristupas Radvila Našlaitėlis (16^th-17^th centuries) to the Holy Land. This traveller is the pride of Lithuania because he made our country famous. The compass symbolises the expanse of the world and the importance of Lithuania within it.

Brief History

The appearance of the Vilnius Compass – a marine mark – in the centre of the city was initiated by the public institution Gold of Lithuania, which in 2009-2011 carried out the historic reconstruction of M. K. Radvila-Našlaitėlis’ trip around the Mediterranean Sea. This trip, which took place more than 400 years ago, inspired sailors to bring a Lithuanian tricolour to 60 Mediterranean ports, and inspired the City of Vilnius and Lithuania to open their doors to Europe. 

The Vilnius Compass Monument at Town Hall Square is for those who don't want to get lost!

Along with the historical symbol of the Vilnius Compass decorating Town Hall Square, a free digital book has been published entitles Lord of the Winds. 7,000 marine miles spent on the trips of M. K. Radvila Našlaitėlis. The compass is not only designed to promote tourism, but is also recommended as a meeting point for a date. After all, the compass connects different countries of the world, so it can connect people as well.