Uzupis was once a Jewish enclave. After the Holocaust, as the buildings started to deteriorate the dwellers left. The place was abandoned and the derelict neighbourhood took on a negative reputation. Over time, artists started to move into the old abandoned buildings. Now, this neighbourhood in Vilnius houses various creative studios, galleries and cafes. The facade of various buildings are littered with the creative output of these individuals.
Visiting Uzupis is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.. As part of an April Fools joke in 1997, this tiny area of just 1 sq km or so decided to declare itself an independent state - The Republic of Uzupis.
It even went so far as to have a President, Constitution (yes, you can read it in one of the streets), flag and coat of arms, amongst others. There is a signboard at the entrance welcoming guests to the Republic. On Uzupis Day, none other than 1 April, each year, you can bring your passport along to get it stamped at the 'border' before entering the world's tiniest Republic. Although, foreign governments have yet to recognised their sovereignty.
Uzupis means 'beyond the river' in Lithuanian. Cross the bridge over Vilnia River to get to the Republic of Uzupis.
Halfway across the bridge, look down and see the Uzupis Mermaid looking up from her perch and welcoming all who crosses the bridge over Vilnia River. She almost swam away when the water level in the river rose in 2004.
The Angel of Uzupis - Archangel Gabriel blowing on a trumpet signifying the revival of artistic freedom in eastern Europe.
Tibet Square complete with prayer cloth, pretty bizarre and unexpected. Oh, and it seems the Dalai Lama is an honorary citizen of the Republic of Uzupis..
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