Vilnius TV Tower

The Vilnius TV Tower, at Sausio 13-osios g. 10 in the Karoliniskes district of Vilnius, Lithuania, is the tallest structure in the country at 326.5 metres. Built between 1974 and 1980 in the Soviet era, it carries broadcast antennas and became a key site of the January 1991 events, when Soviet troops attacked the tower and 14 civilians were killed defending it. A memorial and exhibition at the base commemorate the victims. Today visitors take a fast lift to the observation deck at about 165 metres, where a glass-walled platform gives a panoramic view over Vilnius, the Neris River, the forests that ring the city and, on clear days, the horizon up to 50 kilometres away. A revolving restaurant sits at the same level, taking about an hour to complete a full turn, and offers a menu of Lithuanian and European dishes at premium prices. A small exhibition describes the tower's construction and the events of 1991, and a cafe and shop are located on the lower levels. A typical visit lasts one to one and a half hours, including the lift, the viewing platform and the memorial. The best photo angles are from the observation deck facing the Old Town, with the Gediminas Tower and the cathedral visible in the distance, and facing the new town skyline on the Neris. Sunset on a clear day offers the best light and the busiest period, so booking ahead is useful. Crowds are lowest on weekday mornings. The tower lies about 20 minutes from the centre by bus, away from the main tourist area, and the surrounding area includes a forested park for walking. Activities such as a bungee jump on the tower's platform have been offered seasonally.