A
fitting structure for Lithuania's head of state. It's
columns evoke the flavor of Greece, the birthplace
of modern democracy. Because of fire, war, and unrest,
many of the documents chronicling the building's early
days have been lost to time, thieves, and flame. But
we know the palace traces its history back to the
mid-14th century, when Grand Duke Jogalia set aside
the land the building rests on. It wasn't until the
end of that century that construction began under
Bishop Andrius Vasila. Over succeeding generations,
the building was gradually enlarged and made more
ornate. It was the mid-18th century when the Bishops
stopped living in the palace. A short time later,
Lithuania was incorporated into the Russian Empire.
The palace was something of a destination for the
Russian Tsars, and several spent much time there,
including the man who would one day become King Louis
XVII of France. As the political climate changed,
the palace changed from being the realm of Tsars to
being the official residence of the Russian Governor-General,
but still hosted some of history's most notable figures,
including Napoleon. As the 20th century dawned, for
political and practical purposes, the building once
again changed roles. It became an office building,
housing the Foreign Ministry, the government press
corps, and other services. Between the first and second
World Wars, the palace was used for ceremonial purposes
before becoming the officers quarters for the local
detachment of the Soviet Army. After Lithuania declared
its independence from the Soviet Empire, the palace
came under familiar stewardship. Part of it became
France's embassy in Vilnius, and when Lithuania got
its own president, it became his official quarters.
