A Century Ago: How Vilnius Residents Spent Their Summers

A century ago, Vilnius residents enjoyed a vibrant summer social life centered around its numerous gardens and parks. The city offered a range of entertainment, from open-air theaters and concerts to leisurely strolls in meticulously maintained green spaces.

Bernardinų Garden, Šveicariškasis Garden, and the Botanical Garden were prime destinations. Šveicariškasis Garden, described in a 1904 travel guide as a place of beautiful flowerbeds and fountains, featured a small theater, a buffet, and an open stage with a terrace. It was a favored spot for middle-class families and intellectuals seeking pleasant walks.

“

Šveicariškasis sodas was described as a place of excellent flowerbeds, beautiful paths, and a fountain – a garden offering comfortable walks with plenty of shade.

Summer cafes also played a significant role in the city's social fabric. Establishments like "Raudonasis Štralis" near Kudirka Square offered outdoor seating. Different cafes attracted distinct clientele; "Žaliasis Štralis" was popular with merchants, while Rudnickis cafe was a hub for journalists and newspaper editors. These cafes often featured live orchestras and dancing in the evenings, serving meals and drinks, with strict rules against excessive alcohol consumption.

Beyond passive entertainment, sporting activities were also embraced by the wealthier citizens, indicating a well-rounded approach to leisure during the warmer months.

“

The summer concert season in Bernardinų Garden was opened by a symphony orchestra, performing overtures by Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko, and musical works by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and others.