Vilnius Travel Guide

Jewish Memorials

In the early 20th century about half of the population of Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the 'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed wire and eventually marching the 60,000 or so residents into the Paneriai forest where they were executed. Today the Genocide Museum has been established at the killing field in memory of the horror. There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life, and visitors are also welcome at the only remaining Vilnius synagogue. Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the former Jewish Quarter. Tours of Jewish Vilnius are offered by several private operators.