Amid record numbers of couples choosing travel to strengthen their relationships, Vilnius is presenting a uniquely romantic alternative to traditional destinations like Paris or Rome with its “Secret Love route”, inspired by the real‑life 16th‑century romance of Lithuanian noblewoman Barbara Radziwiłł and Sigismund Augustus, the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania.
This year, many couples are turning travel into a meaningful way to connect. Booking.com reveals that 37% of travelers plan to use vacations as relationship “compatibility tests.” Also, 71% of global travelers say they’d be interested in visiting a destination that is inspired by “romantasy.”
What many holiday makers do not know is that Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, holds one of Europe’s most inspiring royal love stories, making it the perfect place to go for a romantic weekend away this Valentine’s Day. At the same time, it is one of the most authentic and picturesque cities in Europe – offering romance in the snowy background, without the crowds and over-commercialization.
During the past year, residents of many European cities have been overwhelmed with large crowds of tourists. The Paris Louvre closed over staff protests against overtourism, and the Trevi fountain in Rome tackled the issue with a new fee. On the other hand, Vilnius is still a relatively undiscovered European city, hosting approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, compared to 21 million in London, 50 million in Paris and 23 million in Rome, making it a perfect romance getaway or “compatibility test” destination.
Vilnius is a city that still breathes one of the most authentic love stories in history. It’s the place where a Lithuanian noblewoman Barbara Radziwiłł (Barbora Radvilaitė) and Sigismund Augustus (Žygimantas Augustas), the powerful King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, engaged in a romance which defied convention 500 years ago. From the moment the King ignored the objections of his royal parents and court to marry his queen in secrecy, artists of all kinds have revisited the story which has reminded generations of residents and visitors alike that true love can always overcome the biggest obstacles.
“This real love story, born in secret, still turns heads in modern-day Vilnius,” said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of the Communications. “It featured secret tunnels and dates in a hidden garden, intervention from the bride’s powerful brothers, and opposition and intrigue from the Italian-born Queen Bona Sforca. Against all odds, the romance turned into royal marriage, only to be cut short by Barbora’s untimely death at the age of 30. According to legend, the love story ended with a funeral procession from Krakow to Vilnius, which the grieving king walked entirely on foot, beside his beloved queen’s coffin.”
In visiting Vilnius, visitors can walk in the footsteps of this love story, exploring the map of historical sites in the Old Town, connected to their story.
Exploring the royal steps in Vilnius
The “Secret Love route”, created by a Lithuanian artist Julia Janus, is a cultural phenomenon that brings together enthusiastic creators, designers and special gift seekers who are passionate about the history of Lithuania: from jewellery, home décor, a collection of chocolates and notebooks/books to Vilnius tours, luxurious spa rituals, royal overnight stays, and gastronomic experiences.
“I realized that the love story of this royal couple needs to be brought to life as soon as possible, because it is one of the most attractive romantic features of Vilnius. It is that nostalgic, intimate sigh of Vilnius, which seems to smooth the corners of the city,” shared designer Julija Janus.
“Secret Love route” highlights
On this curated route, key stops include:
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Originally constructed in the 15th century for the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kings of Poland, the Palace has been reconstructed very recently, in 2013. It’s heart of the Lithuanian royal power, where the love of Barbara and Sigismund unfolded.
Vilnius Cathedral and the royal crypts, where Barbara rests alongside her burial crown, scepter, rings, and royal regalia, which were rediscovered in 2025 right here. These major historical treasures, sadly lost for over 80 years, bring this vibrant love story to life again – they will be available to be viewed by visitors in the summer of 2026.
Užupis – the republic of artists. A bohemian district with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a free-spirited atmosphere. The Užupis Constitution declares: “Everyone has the right to love” – the very principle Barbara and Sigismund fought for.
Glass Quarter (Stiklių Street) ─ the city’s oldest artisan district, featuring boutiques, craft galleries, cozy cafes. Find the Augustas & Barbora Love Story Café, a romantic café where visitors can enjoy coffee while surrounded by their story.
Old Town’s hidden streets are a UNESCO-listed network of narrow passages, unique architecture, and atmospheric courtyard, which provide an intimate hideaway for historical exploration.
In addition to the special romantic route, Vilnius offers couples many authentic ways to re-connect. Tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants give a chance to experience local cuisine, reinvented by modern chefs; the city also boasts a deep traditional sauna culture, offering anything from luxury Pacai SPA, set in the cellars of a historic mansion-like hotel in the heart of the Old Town, while Vytautas Muša Gongą is a traditional outdoor steam sauna, designed in the shape of and Iglu, set in the former Lukiškės prison.
With its UNESCO-listed World Heritage Old Town, winding cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture, Vilnius invites couples with quiet streetside cafes, boutique hotels and authentic local culture.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
