Zabytkowa drewniana architektura mieszkalna wileńskiego Zwierzyńca

The cultural landscape of Vilnius cannot be fully presented without experiencing and describing Zwierzyniec District – a place which is unique from the point of view of wooden architecture lovers, with inimitable values deserving the highest recognition and promotion. In the general plan of Vilnius of 1848-1859, Zwierzyniec does not occur yet – it constituted then a private property situated beyond the city borders. Soon after it was included into the borders of Vilnius in 1901, a network of streets had been fully shaped, and most of the territory developed. In interwar period, the development was even extended, which also included a change in quality – as also brick houses were built. Before 1901, 14% of buildings came into being, 64% – before the World War I, 22% have been built since 1940. In 1938, only 20% of buildings in the district were of brick, the other were made of wood. After World War II, the district virtually remained unchanged – both the road layout as well as old buildings which create the familiar image of this cosy district maintained. The analysis of the process of shaping of this district allowed to confirm its harmonious development, using historical influences which formed over centuries and traditional lay of the land. The historical buildings still dominate – more than 60% of existing facilities are pre-war buildings. Preservation of authenticity of the district – its historical tissue, its plotting and authentic buildings becomes more and more urgent task in the face of proceeding changes and transformations, even if they are, fortunately, slow. Without protecting the most valuable elements of Zwierzyniec district, it would be impossible to retain the unique values of it for future generations.