Stranger Things fans may know of Lukiškės Prison where grim scenes for Season 4 were shot.
It certainly struck me as a perfect location for the representation of a Russian gulag. It’s not difficult to imagine many grim, real-life scenes occurring here. No wonder the site is increasingly popular as a location for Hollywood and other film and TV productions.
For 118 years, Lukiškės Prison 2.0, as it is now known, existed as a bona-fide lock up for both criminals and political prisoners throughout both World Wars and The Russian Occupation. As a prison it was closed only in 2019.
In a broader sense, it reflects an historical status quo experienced by all Balkans nations- Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia – regarding their similarly tumultuous and repressive histories.
Despite their differing yet connected linguistic, historical and cultural backgrounds the links of historical hardship and oppression remain.
Lukiškės Prison 2.0 also reflects that change is afoot.
This is done by means of its transformation into a contemporary, cultural venue hosting musical and theatrical performances and exhibitions as well as providing an entertainment precinct and artist workshop spaces.
This speaks to a more hopeful and kind future, breaking free from a repressive past yet remembering a connection to it.
Personally, I found the atmosphere of this ex-prison facility still decidedly grim yet fascinating. It certainly juxtaposes with the refined beauty of Vilnius more broadly, a city of young hipsters in New York style long overcoats and multiple sushi supplying franchises.
So, yes, meander the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and admire the wide, tree lined Baroque boulevards in its newer districts.
Visit the independent republic of Uzupis and galivant out of town to Trakai Castle.
.But definitely Lukiskes 2.0 should be on your list of must dos in Vilnius.
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