Lithuania’s medieval castles are more than architectural marvels — they are enduring symbols of Vytautas the Great’s legacy. Our journey through Lithuania’s rich history highlights three iconic castles, each with its unique story: Vilnius Upper Castle, Trakai Peninsula Castle, and Merkine Castle.

Known today as Gediminas Castle, Vilnius Upper Castle owes much of its stone fortifications to Vytautas the Great. After a fire in 1419 destroyed the original wooden structure, Vytautas began its reconstruction, creating a stone fortress that would symbolize Vilnius’ medieval history. Though smaller than its original four-story design, the iconic western tower still stands proudly, offering breathtaking views of Vilnius Old Town. The castle now houses an interactive museum, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of Lithuania’s heritage.

Constructed by Vytautas’ father, Kęstutis, and completed by Vytautas, Trakai Peninsula Castle was a vital residence and defensive hub of Trakai. Spanning four hectares, the castle featured 12 defensive towers and housed key political and cultural developments, including the settlement of Tatars and Karaites. Though overshadowed by the nearby Island Castle, Trakai Peninsula Castle is being revitalized, with exhibitions hosted by the Trakai History Museum showcasing its storied past.

Perched at the confluence of the Nemunas and Merkys rivers, Merkine Castle was a critical defensive site during battles against the Teutonic Knights. Captured by Vytautas in 1391, the wooden fortress became a key military base and diplomatic venue. Today, only the castle hill remains, offering stunning panoramic views. The Merkine Regional Museum preserves artifacts from this once-mighty fortress.

Thanks to the DGTRAN project, the Volyn Foundation and its partners from the Educational Research and Innovation Institute (Lithuania), the University of Bialystok (Poland), and the IED (Greece) have created 3D models of these historic sites, ensuring their stories endure digitally.