Slapta meilė
The “Slapta meilė” route
In 16th-century Vilnius, a love story unfolded between Sigismund Augustus, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, and Barbara Radziwiłł, Grand Duchess of Lithuania and Queen of Poland – a story that later inspired writers, artists, playwrights and painters of many nations and eras. The bond between the rulers was very strong, their behaviour scandalous and dramatic for the society of the time, and their story short and tragic.
The “Slapta meilė” route
This is a route through important places in Vilnius where the famous couple lived, loved and acted in 1520–1549. The story is told as if by Barbara Radziwiłł herself, openly and tenderly.
The audio guide will take you through the places in Vilnius where Barbara Radziwiłł was born, grew up and lived. Some said she was a capricious, lustful girl of loose morals who became a victim of her influential relatives’ political games and finally died of poison given by her mother-in-law, Queen Bona Sforza. Others testified that she was a clever, sensitive young woman who experienced great love and happiness, as well as fierce opposition to her union with Sigismund Augustus. Her enemies’ attacks broke Barbara emotionally and physically. Under constant strain she fell seriously ill and died young.
The 21 stops mark the most important traces of the story of Barbara Radziwiłł and Sigismund Augustus in Vilnius – a romantic walk through 16th-century Vilnius together with Barbara Radziwiłł and your friends.