Užupis is a unique district of Vilnius, that is declared a separate Republic. Yes, the Republic! Moreover, it was proclaimed by artists and other creative personalities. And once a year, on the independence day of Lithuania, on the bridge that is the entrance to the district, you can even get a passport stamp stating that you were in Užupis... but first things first.

Užupis is the smallest district of Vilnius. It covers an area of only 600 square meters. On one side, it is cut off from the city by the river, and on the other - by the walls of industrial enterprises. Once workers lived in Užupis, it was one of the poorest areas of the city. And after avant-garde artists moved there, the quarter has become a place where history and creativity merge.

In 1997, several activists decided to declare Užupis an independent Republic and they easily achieved their goal. Now the district even has a Constitution consisting of 41 points and beginning with the words that everyone has the right to happiness.

Small houses in Užupis and narrow passages between them are completely painted with various graffiti, and the walls are decorated with miniature sculptures and plaques. The fact is that in 1996, a group of local students of the Institute of Art decided to create a community of artists, which in turn established the Užupis art incubator. This place is famous for its sculptures and installations. There is a lot of modern and bold: something that was not talked about or shown before, but that is fashionable and fresh now.

In addition to art, Užupis is famous for its unusual street food, which is sold everywhere: in local cafes, restaurants, and even moving trailers. Food carries there not only the vital function of satiation but is itself a work of art. In the local small market, there are many points with the so-called open kitchen, so you can watch the cooking and even communicate with the cook.