Vingis Park is the largest city of Vilnius. It is located in the heart of the city, specifically in its western part, on a bend of the Neris River. Vingis is the most favorite and popular destination, cycling, walking just as well as a grand concert held under the open sky. In addition, the park often hosts social and political public events.

To get to the park in two ways: Birute Street, passing through the pedestrian bridge and street MK Chyurlene. The park is 160 hectares.

In the 15-16 centuries, surrounded on almost all sides by steep river bank pine forest was in possession Radvilos. Later he moved to the Jesuits, and then Bishop of Vilnius Masalsky Ignatius. After the death of Masalsky estate passed into the hands of the Potocki, who soon sold it to Count Zubov, who he bought the Vilna governor-general Bannigsen LL

The Jesuits Zakrete palace was built in three floors of penthouses with unusual designs of the famous architect IK Glaubits. When the palace changed hands, it was rebuilt again at the request of the new owners. At the time that the house belonged to the Governor-General Bennigsen, namely in 1812, it stayed the Emperor Alexander I, with all his entourage and staff. The emperor was delighted with the kind of scenic area and decided to purchase from Bennigsen entire large area Zakreta.

For a festive dinner at the summer palace in Zakrete in honor of Alexander I, the architect Michael Schulz was commissioned to build the pavilion. But disaster struck, and just before the ball hit a new pavilion. Schultz was so shocked occurred that plunged into the river Vilija and drowned. He is so hurry to execute the order, and there was very little time. Still, he managed to build a dining room, which is so different from the currently existing solemn elegance finish. Not only the emperor, but many guests admire the magnificent building. Just a few hours before dinner party collapsed roof of the dining room. Schultz was terribly afraid that he would be considered an intruder. He threw himself into the river, and a few days later his body was found in a river 20 miles from the city.

As you know, in 1812, Lithuania was a part of Russia. While the ball is in the summer palace, Alexander I received the message that Napoleon's troops invaded the country.

Zakretnom The palace was constructed by the French hospital, which was burned along with the wounded people. After the war ended in 1812 the palace was not subject to repair, and in 1855 the remains of the palace were simply dismantled. Then on zakretskoy territory it was arranged artillery range. In 1857, by order of the Governor-General VI Nazimov on the picturesque banks of the river Vilija cap was built with a wooden pavilion and various outbuildings. In addition, a large park with a nearby linden alley.

The Botanical Garden of Vilnius University was founded in 1919 on the territory of what is now the park Winge. But in times of war and the terrible floods Botanical Garden was badly damaged. After the war, part of the botanical garden was restored and transferred to the new Botanical Garden at the University in 1975 Kairėnai. By 1930, on the ground Zakreta were built warehouses of the Polish army, as well as the narrow-gauge railway was built.

In 1965, the park lay reconstruction and was adapted place for public gatherings and as a recreation area for the residents. In the center of the park was built a large concert stage, and is also equipped with an area for spectators in 2 hectares. It is here that are republican song festivals.

Near the entrance to the street Chyurlene, in the cemetery of the Jesuits, it is the grave of the victims of the plague, surging in 1710. Here it is erected in 1796 Repninskaya chapel, which keeps the ashes of his wife NV Repnin - Lithuanian governor-general. During the First World War in the former cemetery of the Jesuits were buried soldiers of the Austrian and German armies. After the Second World War, a large part of the cemetery was destroyed and at the same place it was built attractions. Now the graves of Austrian and German soldiers recovered.