Užupis Republic: How This Cheeky Micronation Will Never Fail to Make You Smile

Forget all of Europe’s other pint-sized countries. San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, and Lichtenstein all pale in swagger to Vilnius’s artistic micronation: Užupis Republic.

And if there’s any district in Lithuania’s capital that will paint a smile on your face, it’s right here in Užupis Republic, Vilnius’s bohemian quarter where weird is no longer optional.

Užupis declared independence on April 1st, 1997, ushering in everything that goes along with becoming an sovereign nation: a president, cabinet, currency, a flag, and even a constitution. Whether Užupians are serious about their claim to sovereignty is up for you to decide, but before you do, get a kick out of this…

Constitution of the Republic of Užupis

  • Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
  • Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
  • Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
  • Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
  • Everyone has the right to be unique.
  • Everyone has the right to love.
  • Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
  • Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
  • Everyone has the right to idle.
  • Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
Main Square in Užupis Republic, Vilnius, Lithuania
The Angel of Užupis in the main square
  • Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
  • A dog has the right to be a dog.
  • A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
  • Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
  • Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
  • Everyone has the right to be happy.
  • Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
  • Everyone has the right to be silent.
  • Everyone has the right to have faith.
  • No one has the right to violence.
The Vilnia River Through Užupis Republic, Vilnius, Lithuania
Along the banks of Vilnia River
  • Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
  • No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
  • Everyone has the right to understand.
  • Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
  • Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
  • Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
  • Everyone shall remember their name.
  • Everyone may share what they possess.
  • No one can share what they do not possess.
Bohemian Art Galleries in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Bohemian art galleries in Užupis
  • Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
  • Everyone may be independent.
  • Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
  • Everyone has the right to cry.
  • Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
  • No one has the right to make another person guilty.
  • Everyone has the right to be individual.
  • Everyone has the right to have no rights.
  • Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
  • Do not defeat.
  • Do not fight back.
  • Do not surrender.

Now if every nation took its affairs with such a laissez-faire attitude, wouldn’t most of the world’s problems be solved? There’s a lesson in there somewhere I suppose…

Street Art in Užupis Republic

Beyond its “politics,” Užupis Republic hosts a thriving art scene that ranges from wacky sculptures to equally strange street art and signage. In fact, I’d say that visiting this quirky area is a Vilnius sightseeing must!

Here’s a sneak peak at a few of the weird and wonderful sights you’ll encounter in the Užupis:

Lock Bridge over the Vilnia River in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Lock bridge over the Vilnia River overlooking old flats.
Locked in love in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Lithuanian love locks
Street Art Under Bridge in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Street art along the Vilnia River
Bright Pink Chair in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Time for a time out?
Colourful Blue Tire in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Tire art?
Apple Republic Sign in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
How much do you like apples?
Mushroom Sign in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Is it colourful because of the mushrooms?
Hanging Alien Sculpture in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Užupis’s own Area 51
Colourful Mural in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Street art mural I can’t even begin to understand
Weird Sculpture in Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Where do I even start with this one?

So if you’re yearning to escape the endless historical architecture and churches of Old Town Vilnius, stroll across the Vilnia River into one of Eastern Europe’s quirkiest quarters for a taste of Lithuania’s thriving art scene.

Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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