Secret Love. Sigismund Augustus and Barbara Radziwill the way of a love story through Vilnius.
1In the 16th century, a love story took place in Vilnius between the Grand Duke of Lithuania, King Sigismund Augustus of Poland, and Barbara Radziwill, Queen of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which later inspired many writers, playwrights and artists of different nations and eras. The bond between the rulers was very strong, their behaviour in the society of the time was scandalous and dramatic, the story was short and tragic.
The path of "Secret Love" is a road leading through important places in Vilnius, wherein 1520-1549 the famous couple lived, loved and acted. The story is created as if Barbara Radziwill herself were telling it frankly and sensually.
The audio guide will introduce you to the places in Vilnius where Barbara Radziwill was born, raised, and lived. Some say she was a naughty, lustful, freedom-loving girl who fell victim to the political games of her powerful relatives and eventually died from the poison of her mother-in-law, Queen Bona Sforza. Others testified that she was an intelligent, sensitive young woman who experienced great love and happiness as well as fierce resistance to her relationship with Sigismund Augustus. Attacks by opponents broke Barbara emotionally and physically. Because of the constant strain, she became seriously ill and died early.
21 stops - the most important signs in the history of 16th century Vilnius. and a romantic walk together with Barbara Radziwill and your friends.
Author of the project:
This project is implemented with funding from the Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania (MITA).
The route uses images of the painting "Sigismund August and Barbora Radvilaite" by Migle Kosinskaite.