Republic of Užupis The self-proclaimed “Republic of Užupis" is Vilnius's bohemian and artistic district. It has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches, the Bernadine Cemetery, seven bridges, and guardian, the Bronze Angel of Užupis. Užupis is one of Vilnius's oldest districts and dates to the 16th century. Užupis is quite small and isolated, being only about 60 ha (148 acres) in size;[3] it has around 7,000 inhabitants, nearly 1,000 of which are artists. On one side it is separated from the Old Town by the Vilnia River, on the second there are steep hills, and on the third side, it borders on an industrial area built under Soviet rule. The first bridges across the river were built in the 16th century, when the district's inhabitants were mostly Jewish. Bohemian Užupis is dotted with street murals and installations like a bronze angel, a riverbank mermaid sculpture, and the tongue-in-cheek constitution of the self-proclaimed “Republic of Užupis,” mounted on wall plaques. Artists’ studios line narrow streets alongside local-designer boutiques, hip cafes, and global eateries. Leafy Bernardine Cemetery, the burial place of numerous eminent locals, Užupis means "beyond the river" or "the other side of the river" in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River; the name Vilnius was derived from he Vilnia. The district has been popular with artists for some time, due to its bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere. On April 1, 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic (the Republic of Užupis), with its own constitution.
Under The Užupis Bridge. If the river is favorable, you can test your destiny under the Užupis Bridge by going on the Destiny’s Swing. While swinging, discover another well-kept secret – the Mermaid or Užupis’ Maiden. She took a dive once in the flood of 2004 but she’s back safe in a niche along the quay. Beware, legend has it that if you look at her long enough she might seduce you to stay in Užupis forever.
