The Republic of Užupis

 

Stebuklas - a magic tile. 

 

 

 

 

Locks of Love on the bridge

 
Užupis could be compared to Christiania in Copenhagen due to it's bohemic and never-mind atmosphere. In 1997 the district declared itself an independent republic. Užupis means "on the other side of the river", it's quite small and isolated being only 148 acres, many of the inhabitants being artists. Copies of the 39 articles in their constitution can be found in fifteen languages on the wall in the area, which declares peoples right to either do or not do something, according to their desire.

There is a local custom that just married couples fasten a lock to the bridge which connects Uzupio and the Old Town. Each lock has an engraving with the couples name and weddingdate.

Between the Cathedral and the Cathedral Tower you will find the Stebuklas tile (means magic). If you have a secret desire or dream, step onto the tile, close your eyes and silently pronounce your wish and turn around clockwise three times...