Užupis

The Republic of Užupis has a unique philosophy and forms of expression, the cyclical nature of the holidays (calendar), the Constitution translated into more than 50 languages, symbols and flags, border markers, easily granted citizenship and citizens around the world, Honorary citizens, President, Parliament, Government, formed of volunteer-ministers, ambassadors (in other countries, cities and even areas activities of life), regulated international relations with the neighboring Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries, the most stable currency EuroUžas, newspapers, Užupis TV, national dish UžBurger and other national attributes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Užupis, which actively develops direct international relations between people, has accredited more than three hundred ambassadors in various countries and territories, thus creating a new practice of open relations between people.

The creation and nurturing of the Republic of Užupis significantly contributed revival of Užupis district of Vilnius Old Town from abandoned and dangerous, to a strong attraction for tourists and other visitors, a source of inspiration for creators, formed a unique community identity and created an open space for creativity.

Photos by photographer A. Marozovas

History

• Early Development
  Užupis is one of the oldest suburbs of Vilnius, located on the right bank of the Vilnia River. It was first mentioned in written sources in the 15th century when the Bernardine Monastery was established. The name “Užupis” means “the place beyond the river.” During this period, it served as an important transit route to the east, leading to Polotsk and Vitebsk.

• A Hub for Crafts and Trade
  The district became home to artisans, Slavic merchants, and clergy. Užupis was renowned for its water-powered mills and paper workshops. A bustling market operated in the area, connected to the city center by bridges.

• 19th Century: The Beginning of Modernization
  In the late 19th century, Užupis saw significant modernization, including the introduction of a water supply system, the construction of metal bridges, and a horse-drawn tramline connecting the district to central Vilnius. It was densely populated by workers, craftsmen, and a thriving Jewish community.

• Soviet Era
  During the Soviet era, Užupis fell into neglect, with poor living conditions and deteriorating infrastructure. However, by the 1970s, artists began to settle in the district, attracted by the availability of cheap housing.

• 1990–2000: The Revival of Užupis
  After Lithuania regained independence, Užupis became a hub for artists and creators. The alternative fashion and art festival “ArMada,” held in 1995, marked a turning point. On April 1, 1998, Užupis symbolically declared its independence, establishing the Užupis Republic with its own constitution, flag, and president.

• Užupis Today
  Today, Užupis is one of Vilnius’s most prestigious neighborhoods, celebrated for its art galleries, cafes, and unique cultural life. The district is home to the Užupis Art Incubator, fostering creativity and community engagement. It is also notable for its architecture, including historic wooden houses, the Bernardine Cemetery, and iconic sculptures like the “Angel of Užupis” and the “Mermaid.”

Užupis Co-existence Code

Approved by the Užupis Community Senate on 24 November 2014.

1. Purpose of the Code

1.1 The Užupis community is governed by customary law, inspirational examples, dreams, insights, mythologies. This Code only puts in writing certain rules of coexistence, and does so in order to facilitate better understanding.

2. Užupis

2.1 Užupis is a part of Vilnius that belongs to everyone and to no one in particular.

2.2 Užupis citizens - all those who work, live, work and engage in other activities in and for Užupis.

2.3 The essence of Užupis people's co-creation and communication is unpaid activity based on volunteering and sacrifice. This is in no way contradictory to the implementation of individual funded projects or to the billing of employees and service providers.

2.4 Užupis is multi-polar - a wide range of independent and unrestricted activities are possible (with full responsibility for these activities resting with the persons carrying them out). The more activities there are, the richer we all are.

2.5 The name Užupis is not a commodity.

3. Užupis Community

3.1 The Užupis community is a collection of Užupis residents who share ideas, goals, needs or simply a sense of community.

3.2 The decisions of the Užupis Community are taken by consensus in informal meetings and are carried out on a voluntary basis, in accordance with a traditionally tested and established procedure. The Association "Užupis Community" (hereinafter referred to as "UC") and other official structures are involved in the interaction only when necessary.

3.3 The Užupis Community shall use the influence and reputation of its members and all formal and informal levers to achieve its objectives.

3.4 The Užupis Community shall be formally represented by the UC. Only authorised representatives may speak on behalf of UC.

3.5 The projects of the Užupis Community shall be managed and financed through the UC, whose financial activities and accounts shall be fully transparent and accessible to all.

4. Republic of Užupis

4.1 The Republic of Užupis is a collective work of the Užupis community, given to all, which can be voluntarily further developed and improved by all. The Republic of Užupis cannot be owned.

4.2 The Republic of Užupis is linked to Užupis but is not limited by any territory, national or other borders, nationality, citizenship, party affiliation, etc.

4.3 Anyone who has read the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis and so chooses shall become a citizen of the Republic of Užupis. Every citizen of the Republic of Užupis must visit Užupis at least once in his/her life.

4.4 The name, property and symbols of the Republic of Užupis shall be protected from unlawful encroachment by the community of Užupis and by the law of the friendly neighbouring Republic of Lithuania.

5. Validity of the Code

5.1 This Code shall apply to relations arising prior to the writing of this Code, starting from the moment of the emergence of the relevant customs of the community (lexretroagit).