Senasis arsenalas

The Senasis Arsenalas in Vilnius is a historic complex of buildings on the northern flank of Gediminas Hill, right where the Neris River flows into the Vilnia. The complex consists of three connected wings enclosing a central courtyard. Today the courtyard holds the lower station of the funicular, a small library building of the National Museum, and the monument to Vytautas the Great. The present-day structures were reconstructed in the late 20th century, and only fragments of the original walls survive.

The history of the site goes back to the 13th century, when wooden and later stone fortifications were built here. In the 16th century, the site was converted into one of the most important ammunition depots of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, storing cannons, gunpowder, and other war materiel. The eastern wing, the largest and most impressive part of the complex, was built in the late Gothic style in the late 16th century and later decorated with Renaissance-style facade elements such as niches and cornices. During the Russian occupation in the 19th century, the building served as an artillery depot and was partly remodeled, which led to the loss of the original roof structures.

Today the restored buildings house the National Museum of Lithuania and the Museum of Applied Arts and Design. In the rooms of the eastern wing, you can admire the reconstructed Gothic layout and the Renaissance facade articulation. On the ground floor and in the cellar, remnants of the authentic historic masonry are still visible, offering a glimpse into the centuries-old building history of the site. The western and northern wings present a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical stylistic elements, and on the north side, parts of the old castle wall with arrow slits have been preserved.