Bernardine Garden

Bernardine Garden (Bernardinu sodas), at Maironio g. 3 in Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania, is a large public park on the slope behind the Bernardine Church and Monastery, beside the Vilnia River. The grounds belonged to the Bernardine monks, and a garden has existed here since the 16th century, though the present layout was restored and opened to the public in 2011 after a major renovation. The park is organised in terraces and includes a rose garden, a herb garden, an orchard, lawns, a pond and several sculptures, with winding paths leading to benches and viewing spots. Plants are chosen for seasonal colour, with spring bringing apple and cherry blossom, summer offering roses and herbs, and autumn showing red and gold foliage. A stretch of the medieval city wall and defensive bastions can be seen along the edges, and the brick towers of the Bernardine and St. Anne churches rise above the trees, creating one of the best photographic backdrops in Vilnius. A footbridge crosses the Vilnia toward Uzupis, making the garden a natural link between the Old Town and the bohemian neighbourhood. A visit takes about an hour at a relaxed pace, and many visitors bring coffee or a picnic. The best views of the churches are from the upper terraces looking back toward the Old Town, and from the garden's far side near the river. Crowds are light on weekday mornings and fill up on sunny weekend afternoons, when locals and tour groups mix. In evenings, the paths are lit and the park remains open until 22:00. In winter, the garden is quiet and often covered in snow, with the red brick of the churches standing out strongly against white surroundings.