Hall of Pranciškus Smuglevičius At Vilnius University

Vilnius University has an old, classic library and the heart of it is the hall of Pranciškus Smuglevičius. It's a beautiful space, originally built as a refectory. In 1803, it was converted for library use and the painter Smuglevičius was hired to decorate it. He chose a classical theme, featuring 12 luminaries of the Arts and Sciences.

The vaulted ceiling.

Details, two of the 12 busts and a bunch of trompe l'oeil. The center painting of the ceiling.

The room is now used by the rare publications department.

What do they display? Cool, old books. What color!

Corner desk.

A Walk Around Vilnius University

Old town, older university. Vilnius University was founded in 1579, making it the oldest school in the Baltic States. It's nestled in the center of Vilnius, right in Old Town and its architecture reflects the age of the place. In a word, beautiful.

One of the inner courtyards.

Well-preserved rooms.

Another courtyard. Nice flower pots.

Renovation in the White Hall, a reading room that used to be the observatory.

At one end of the main courtyard, St. Johns Church and tower. You can climb the tower to get an unrivaled view of all of Old Town.