Bohemian Užupis Republic

Užupis is the smallest district in Vilnius, covering an area of 0.6 km² and is separated from the Old Town by the Vilnelė River. What used to be a seedy part of the city in the early 90s has grown into an affluent neighbourhood of artists, intellectuals, and a few local moguls.

The bohemian district declared independence on 1 April 1997, as if to underline the humorous nature of the whole affair. However, the new republic comes complete with its own currency, government, anthem, and an ever-present free spirit.

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The Užupis Republic is well-known for its freedom-soaked constitution, translated into more than 50 languages. The 41 clauses of the constitution express humour, freedom and tolerance in short sentences such as

‘Everyone has the right to understand’ and ‘Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.’