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Visit Vilnius Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius), 4. The Church of St. Anne is a Gothic style church in Vilnius' Old Town. Jelonek - Heavy Metal Sabre Dance in Vilnius Lithuania. Its located on Ausros Vartu Street and was one of five gates in the cities defense wall that were built during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. How the KGB converted the country to Atheism and communism. Literature Street. You were brought to the room and without a word shot. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Pilies means Castle in Lithuanian and this historic cobbled area used to lead directly down the castle years ago. They were originally set up by Bernadine Monks that were invited to Vilnius. Panemun Castle - one of the most authentic castles in Lithuania (17th century). There are thought to be over 250,000 crucifixes that have been left at the site. Its delicious and I would highly recommend trying. As the name indicates, the museum looks at optical illusions. Its a great place to sample a few dishes as the prices wont break your budget! Perhaps the best of these was Bernardine Park. 6. It was a great introduction to Lithuanian dishes as I really didnt have a scooby about what sort of food they ate in the country before that. This viewpoint around the area is FREE but if you wanted to visit the terrace in the City Bastion museum this is chargeable. Read my complete guide for Gediminas Castle here. This could be found on Pylimo Gatv outside Keule Ruke a popular restaurant in Vilnius. Lithuania is a small country and so most big cities and attractions can be reached in less than a few hours from the capital. If the Old Town isnt your bag, why not go on an alternative tour of Vilnius? Originally it was built in the Gothic style but the style we see today is a Neoclassical reconstruction by Laurynas Stuoka-Guceviius. #4 Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. Even today, when you walk through the gate, youll see many locals pause and say a little prayer towards her portrait that can be seen through the window. The Hill of Crosses. Frank Zappa is American, so I wasnt sure why his bust would be in the capital of Lithuania but I was sure there was a good reason for it. We laughed a lot. Gediminas Castle Tower. If you carry on to the end, youll find the Vilnius Town Hall. Entrance is 11 Euros an adult. The most disturbing part of the museum is the KGB prison in the lower decks. Vilnius Cathedral is FREE to visit and is open 7am 7pm all week. Furthermore, it is also set in a former KGB . Even today, there are markers where those used to be in the square. Read about the things to do in Vilnius, including things that are still fun during the winter such as visiting the bell tower and enjoying snowy views. GIFTEDWe spent ab. Despite only being home to 570,000 people, Vilnius has a lot of fun and interesting things to do. A short walk on Pilies Street could turn into a few hours if you get lost down the small alleys and the labyrinth of laneways in the Old Town. The Chapelis FREE to visit and is open from 6am 7pm Monday to Sunday. The park is a reconstruction by Vladislovas trausas in the 19th century of the gardens that stood here from the 15th century all the way up to World War II. Some leave crosses as a sign of love. Here are 10 of the best things to see and do during a visit. It's bell tower is one of the tallest structures in historic Old Town.Reach the top, and you'll be rewarded with unparalleled 360 views of Vilnius Old Town.The observation deck is so large, that there was even enough room to install an elevator! This is a chargeable museum but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of artifacts inside! (the . A guide to craft beer in Vilnius and Lithuania. Things To Do In Vilnius. 2022 UPDATED UPDATED Top 10 Things To Do https://bit.ly/3KUhF6EBest Hotels In Vilnius https://bit.ly/3kSZV18-----. You can see a concert, visit an art exhibition, literature events and much more! 7. I think if one street captures the essence of Vilnius, this is the shot. Today it serves as a community-building with events held throughout the year. For anyone who is into escape rooms or any kind of innovations, you are going to have a blast here.. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. But with the fall of communism came a cultural liberation and suddenly bands that were previously outlawed were pumping out of teenage bedrooms, park stereos and music venues across the nation. LOCATION Gedimino av. The gardens were built as part of their monastery. The architecture on the outside of the church is stunning, but when you go inside you can see what the church is famous for; over 2,000 stucco figures and a Rococo pulpit! From October March its open 4pm 6.30pm Mondays to Fridays and 8am 2pm Sundays. Of all the things to do in Vilnius, this is the one you can't miss as the city's Old Town is the main attraction. Vilnius has some great open spaces and parks in and around the Old Town. The Church of St Johns is meant to have the most amazing views from the top of its bell tower. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. The Hill of Crosses is one of the most important attractions in Lithuania and is a symbol of light and hope. A great fun way to spend an hour or two. Founded in 1988, this unusual museum regales visitors with stories about the formation, colour, harvesting and processing of the ancient fossilised tree resin known as Baltic amber. It also has a resident mermaid and an angel who guards them all. Due to its long history, its also beautifully decorated with paintings, chandeliers, and portraits in rooms such as the astronomical observatory and the Philology Room. It is located on the site of a former gymnasium converted into the Gestapos HQ during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania in 1941. Presidential Palace. An important place that I feel every tourist should visit in Vilnius is the Museum of Occupations. Throughout the year, this is also the location of many community events like Concerts in the Summer and in December it comes alive with the annual Christmas Tree and Markets! Make sure you arrive hungry! FUTURE LIVE. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Groups & meetings. . They even have location tours now. The Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower is open from 10am 7pm in summer and 10am 6pm in winter. Such was the interest in the new edifice that a military brass band played famous Zappa hits at its unveiling and it remains a popular attraction to this day. By 695arthurm. Today, the streets around here are incredibly quaint and colourful with cafs, bars, and boutiques for shopping. Take a closer look at this bustling city with our suggestions for unique things to do in Vilnius. Both were amazing! 2023 Atlas Obscura. Fun Things to Do in Vilnius with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 10am 5pm Sundays. During my week here, I got to explore many cities and attractions outside of Vilnius and wrote helpful guides for each of them; Europos Park is a contemporary art museum founded in 1991 and set in nature. I had a knowledgeable guide who customised the tour with some classic sites and what I was interested in. By the 17th century, the foundations were falling apart and it was reconstructed into the Neo-Classic style. When you enter the cathedral, youll often find pilgrims falling to their knees in prayer. Over the years, this has been expanded and now there are over 200 plaques dedicated to authors who have a connection with Vilnius and even those from around the globe. He was the first and last Lithuanian King in the short-lived Kingdom of Lithuania in the 13th century. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Here, I want to share with you a few of the more unique things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte fell in love with this Gothic church. To fully experience this awesome city, here are 4 epic, fun, exciting things to do in Vilnius. Zemaiciu Asotis - this rustic-style restaurant offers an extensive choice of meaty Lithuanian staples. Read my complete Hill of Crosses travel guide here. Frank Zappa Statue: Perhaps the most famous of all Vilnius tourist attractions, this bust of the ethnically Lithuanian musician is an offbeat site for fans of the man and his music. So, when I found out that there was a memorial dedicated to him in Vilnius I had to check it out. English. With 48 hours in Vilnius and plenty of sightseeing to do, you're going to need to know the best ways to get around the city. With the countless things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, coupled with its dreamy quality, this city is no doubt a must-visit destination. Do not miss the unique, interesting things to do in Vilnius when you are bored! Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. This is one of the citys most popular and quirky drinking dens. Much of the food is based around root vegetables which . Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2022. The Magic Brick in Vilnius. Of more interest to me was the panoramic view from the top. Colourful churches on every street corner, an epic craft beer scene, and some tasty local cuisine; there is enough to keep you occupied here for weeks! So if you want a nice little introduction to Vilnius, this is your first stop. The palace has a long and noble history and has stood here since the 14th century during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Where can you find a giant Tony Soprano statue, an "Easter egg" monument, the best bagels in the Baltics, and a city within a city complete with border control? Join a Free Tour. On Cathedral Square you will also see a large monument to Gedeminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1316 and founding father of Vilnius (you will come across the name more often in the city! Visit the National Museum of Lithuania, 10. The Museum of Occupations is a must-visit. And if youre a committed train spotter too, all the better. 4. The Funicular train up to Gediminas' Tower with the new part of Vilnius in the background across the river. Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. Hals Market is the oldest market in Vilnius, and today is home to a fascinating mix of both traditional vendors selling the usual (produce, baked goods, etc.) . Sacred Spaces 4. With its striking shade of yellow and beautiful baroque design, youll notice the Basilian Monastery it in an instant, even from afar! The mead from here was incredible. I didnt end up going inside as it was closed, but the church itself has a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Russian Byzantine styles. It shuts around 6pm each evening and is closed on Mondays. Only opened in 2016, the Vilnil Museum of Illusions is a fun and fascinating place to visit that is dedicated to a rather unique and unusual field. Read my full review of the Vilnius food tour here! World War Ii 3. Vilnius is one of Europe's smaller capital cities, but that doesn't necessarily mean everything is close together. Walking, especially within the Old Town, will be your best bet most of the time. The Gate of Dawns is open 24 hours a day to take photos from the outside. Mead from the Baltics is one of my favourite drinks and so whenever I have the chance to drink some I snap it up! Its easy to walk up, open 24 hours a day, and is completely FREE to visit. Mykolo g. 8 HOURS Mon-Sun 9am-5pm 10am-7pm. #3 Stroll through the Republic of Uzupis. The part that really gave me the chills was the death chamber. Have fun in Liepkalnis Ski Run. 5. Ask 100 people about the history of this unassuming concrete tile and youre likely to get 100 different answers. More travel. A day well spent in Vilnius is a day spent strolling around the Old Town.The houses were adorable, with tiny cobbled streets going in all and any direction (we didn't find one straight corner there), and small parks and green areas scattered around.The last part particularly surprised me - there were so many pretty parks and green squares . This is one of them. The result is a truly unique festival and one of the highlights of Vilnius cultural calendar. Admire the Gothic Architecture of the Church of St. Anne. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania with over 580,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in the country and the second-largest out of the Baltic states. The Vilnius Presidential Palace is located in the Old Town and, as the name would suggest, is the office of the President of Lithuania! In order to get there, you need to walk up for approx 10 minutes on the uneven, pebbly road. In England, our mead is served up like a wine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. The views back over the city are stunning (and free!). Watch on. Today its cells have been left virtually untouched, making it a true memorial to a past that many would rather forget but that the wider world cannot allow to happen. Have some cheap eats or Lithuanian Mead at Snekutis, 16. This is due to the fact that Vilnius has some perfect Soviet backdrops in the city. If you tell someone you are going to Vilnius, you are often met with a confused look and a 'Where is that'. Frank Zappa often spoke of revolution in his songs and became an icon to the youth in the city after their newfound freedom! Vilnius Cathedral. You can pay to enter the Bell Tower and learn about its history inside, but the real payoff comes from the views from the top. Lean about Lithuanian history at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, 23. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. ("What to do in Vilnius, our website TripOriginal has more than 10 attractions and best things to do in Vilnius.") ("If you want to go on a day excursion or Day Trip from Vilnius, go here Fast Go") (" With our website TripOriginal and our partner GetYourGuide, we've compiled a list of the finest and fun things to do in Vilnius ") You will have to climb up 193 wooden stairs to reach the peak which is around 45 metres high. Only the bottom part of the Bellfry tower is original, the rest is a reconstruction from the 19th century. Visit the Presidential Palace of Lithuania, 31. Uber and the competing app Bolt work in Vilnius to get you around the city too. Although the accomplished chef champions seasonal, local and sustainable products, his food rivals top restaurants in countries like France and Japan. Learn About Vilnius Ghost Stories & Legends, Vilnius Lithuania Points of Interest | 7 Tourist Attractions, 7. These traffic lights celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the women's suffrage movement in Lithuania. Once youve finished exploring the Upper and Lower Castle, make sure you head down Pilies Street. Zen Republic. Its truly a beautiful place to visit and the architecture is breathtaking. I had a one-hour body scrub and full body massage treatment. The site is surrounded by a vast garden and is also close to St. Annes Church and the Vilnele River, meaning theres plenty of things to see and do during your stay. But, through time, the building suffered major fires and had to be reconstructed. Uutrakis Manor - restored 19th-century manor. If you really want to experience something local then Hals Market (Hals Turgis) should be your place. Unusual Things To Do in Vilnius: There are some very interesting, unusual things to do in Vilnius; check out these: 7. If youre interested this church was built in 1387, so it has a lot of history to tell and is worth popping in to have a look too. Browsing an art gallery is something I LOVE to do in cities and I had my heart set on the MO museum. They have a show stopper of a Christmas Tree all lit up and there is a lot of festive cheer around this area too. The City Bastion Viewpoint can be visited 24 hours a day, but if you want to go insidethe museumor onto the terrace, this is only open from Tuesday Sunday from 10am 6pm. #1. Churches 3. During the Soviet Era, it was converted into a warehouse. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Now, when youre wandering around Cathedral Square you may find some bits a little interesting. Click here to check out packages and treatments at Azia spa. Just over a year later, Lithuania was granted independence in 1990. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. Read more. Visit a cool local market. They say it all started with a vision, and a pilgrimage across the country to save the life of a farmer's daughter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Abandoned 3. Source: Shutterstock. Appreciated for its ornate architecture and rich history, Vilnius is home to some of the world's most unique works of art dating back to the Gothic period during the 14th and 16th centuries. The Gate of Dawn in Vilnius is the city's only surviving city gate. You get to orientate yourself, know the area, learn about the history and visit some of the top attractions too! Today, you can cross under the gate and visit the small chapel above the archway. This former gymnasium was the headquarters of both the Gestapo and the KGB. Lithuanians are a very clear and literal people. It was shocking and heartbreaking. St. Annes Church is FREE to enter and open daily. But, if you werent fussed the views from the bottom of the tower are pretty amazing too. Frequented by artists, writers and other creative types since the fall of Communism, the district actually declared itself an independent republic in 1998, resulting in its citizens being furnished with their own flag and national anthem. The history museum Gediminas Castle Tower in Vilnius tells the story of the city from its settlement by Grand Duke Gediminas in the 15th century to present day. Within Vilnius, do not skip the KGB Museum or the quirky Republic of Uupis. Find fun things to do in Vilnius this weekend. There was no freedom during these times. You can also download the Trafi App for times and directions. Then in the 1990s, they declared the district the Free Republic. This monument is a memorial to them that was torn down twice during the Soviet occupation. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my travel guides and tips! Step inside the Church of St Peter and St Paul, 39. Alternative Vilnius - 10 unique things to do in Vilnius One of the distinctive Smiling Angel statues that are dotted around Vilnius (Photo: Mark via Flickr). My guide on a Vilnius walking tour also told me that you can always navigate your way around the city by heading down to this spot. But, it was destroyed and burned down due to the Russian invasions. But, I think its incredibly underrated and worth exploring. Paneriai Memorial Museum - Holocaust memorial in a forest where tens of thousands of Jews lost their lives. Prices start from 45 Euro for a one-hour treatment which is really reasonable for full-body treatments. Lukiks Prison 2.0. While the Vilnia River winds through the quieter areas of the old town, the Neris River is flanked on both sides by a main city road. Vilnil. Lithuanian language and text were banned. The University Bell Tower is one of a few things to do in Vilnius that will get you a bird's-eye view of Old Town Vilnius. Then check out the best things to do in Vilnius, to ensure you make the most of your time in the city. A bronze bust of Frank zappa atop a stainless-steel pole (Photo: richie78 via Flickr). In fact, during the Soviet era, it was the most neglected part of the city! But, most of the food stalls will not open until 9/10am. Another church you must add to your list is the 17th-century Baroque church of St Peter and St Paul. So, its a pity that it is only open during the summer season. The Palace of the Grand Dukes is a reconstruction of the original palace that used to sit in the Lower Castle from the 15th 17th centuries. 2. Search Bookings. This was a state that was founded by Lithuanian people but formed unions with kingdoms like Poland, Prussia (Germany), and Austria. The Baltic city stole my heart with its wacky, weird, and wonderful things to do and see. This classic walking tour will take you through the quaint Old Town of Vilnius and Uupis too! Read more about the most Instagrammable places in Vilnius here. It sparked worldwide media attention and was extremely controversial at the time. The largest coin pyramid in the world is a carefully balanced stack of over 1,000,000 pieces. Heaven. It was made when the railway line between St Petersburg and Vilnius was built and the development of the city demanded it. Watch on. The main sights in Vilnius + history of the city Cathedral Square & St.Stanislaus Cathedral. Its located just off the Town Hall Square in the Old Town and is a Roman Catholic temple. As it was private, I got all the time to ask any questions I needed to as well. If you want to go in for a proper tasting session, I would recommend visiting Lietuvikas Midus Brewery. LOCATION Geleinkelio g. 6 HOURS Sun-Mon 5pm-1am Tue-Wed 5pm-2am Thur-Sat 5pm-4am. Master Pieces by great illusionists from Netherlands, Sweden, Japan and all over the world, of 1920s to 1970s. As the tallest and oldest tower in Vilnius, it stands approximately 52 metres high and overlooks the whole of the Old Town. It had the most EPIC Christmas decorations, but also has a gorgeous interior throughout the year. Today, its a popular viewpoint where you can see the whole of the Old Town. Travel along the western outskirts of the old town. You can access this from Town Hall Square. But, there is a grassy area opposite to take a nice photo. . According to legend, before a church was placed here, it was a site of a Pagan temple dedicated to Milda. Its a testament to the strength of the Lithuanian people despite their dark past. Vilnius with locals run a fabulous free walking tour that runs from the Cathedral Square daily at 10am and 12pm. For more fun activities in Vilnius, try any of these unique tours. Usually considered as a meeting point for locals, the Cathedral Square sits at the heart of the Old Town. Gate of Dawn. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Such is the potency of the tiles historical significance that many believe it now has magical, wish-granting properties. Vilnius Old Town. The Baltic Way made a powerful statement to their Soviet government, helping contribute to the restoration of each countrys freedom by 1991. One of those is a set of footprints. I visited in December and loved the festive feel of the square. 6. It may be closed to visitors during mass times. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. Uupis Republic Discovery Tour - This is the bohemian part of Vilnius and I recommend you see it with a local guide. As well as the castle, you can explore Lithuanias smallest national park, learn about the Karaite community, sample Kibinai pastries and hop around historic mansions. The best things to do in Vilnius? AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. During my week spent in Vilnius, one of my favourite tours had to be the Flavours of Vilnius tour that I took with Urban Adventures. Its a lovely peaceful part of the city with great views of the Gediminas Castle and Hill of Three Crosses. 2022. Fighting UFO's. This 560 m2 area is separated into several rooms. So, Gediminas united the villages, and Vilnius was born! But, the President of Vilnius celebrated the work, claiming that the people of Lithuania are not silenced censorship. This was an important part of the cities defense walls and the historic Lower and Upper Castle in the 13th century. Its the oldest market in Vilnius that is still thriving today and sells everything from all sorts of meat including pigs ears, fruits, cheese, mushrooms, bread, to clothes and electricals. When Lithuania got its independence, a lot of the artists took advantage of the cheap housing that became available there. You could drink a few pints like juice and then be absolutely trashed. The caf is open from 9 am 11 pm daily. During his visit to Vilnius in 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte . The original cathedral was built all the way back in 1251 when the majority of Lithuania was Pagan. Heads up: my accommodation in Vilnius and some tours were sponsored by Tinggly, who is an awesome gift card experience company! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Situated on the foot of a hill, a few minutes walk from the Bohemian district of Uzupis in the city centre, this is one of Vilnius most unique accommodation options. I think if there is one bar or restaurant you need to visit while in Vilnius, its the quirky and eccentric nekutis! You see, the city is actually quite hilly and so if youre heading downwards, youll know youre on the right track to the square! Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. This zen space can be found in the heart of the Old Town and is extremely popular. The Atlas Obscura Guide To Vilnius 16 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania Updated August 22, 2022 And yet today there are over 70 of these cherubic looking figures at various locations around town. The Uupis district, a self-declared independent republic since 1997, shows a more bohemian side to the city, full of artists, creative studios and colourful graffiti. St. John's Church is located on the campus of Vilnius University. Vilnius has plenty of fun things to do - tours, experiences, special museums and activities for a perfect holiday in the Lithuanian capital. The best things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. Here, you can see a beautiful panorama of the Old Town, the Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes, and Cathedral Square! How they were held in tiny cells, tortured and you didnt know if tomorrow would be your last. Gediminas Tower & Castle Hill. Vilnius Bike Tour. This will take you through the street art areas, Halle Market, and some of the vibrant streets of Vilnius New Town. An abandoned masterpiece of Soviet Brutalist architecture. They use 3D mapping, virtual reality, various projections and other digital stuff I don't know the name of. See here for details. In Lithuania, they use the Euro. The chapel inside the Gate of Dawn contains a portrait of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy or the Vilnius Madonna who is said to perform miracles. Written October 1, 2022. Read my complete Three Cross Hill guide here. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. Creative expression is let off the leash and performers are given a platform to simply get out there and play, unrestrained by convention or commercial imperatives. The Palace is HUGE so youll need at least a few hours to explore. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the 18th century and what we see today was a huge reconstruction of the original building that used to sit here. Museum of illusions. The brainchild of two Lithuanian physics students, the pyramid featured a delicately balanced stack of over 1,000,000 disused coins from the countrys previous currency. Vilnil. So, this seemingly small but beautiful gate on Ausros Vartu street has a big history to offer beyond a pretty photo spot. I would highly recommend it and you can book onto the tour here. There are historical exhibitions, excavations, lavish reconstructed rooms (my favourite part) and also artwork too! 3. Take a Day Trip to Trakai Castle. If you can, I highly recommend staying in a hotel or apartment in the Old Town so you're close to the action. Vilnius isn't just beautiful to behold - it's also an economic powerhouse in the Baltics. In Vilnius, all roads lead in the Old Town lead to the Cathedral Square! So, the town became derelict making way for less desirable members of society to move into the neighbourhood and it got a bad name. LOCATION Cathedral Square plaza, Vilnius Old Town, The shrouded-in-mystery Stebuklas Miracle Tile in Vilnius (Photo: rogix via Flickr). Then take a look at these 12 fun things to do in Riga! Address: Etmon g. 6, Vilnius 01129, Lithuania. Founded in 1988, this unusual museum regales visitors with stories about the formation, colour, harvesting and processing of the ancient fossilised tree resin known as Baltic amber. Exhibitions of the works of artists working with amber are also regularly held here and visitors can buy amber jewellery in the on-site store. 7. A short walk from Cathedral Square will take you to the National Museum of Lithuania. As this act was seen as a miracle, a special tile was placed in the Cathedral Square which people now call the magic tile. Vilnius Cathedral. Today tourists inevitably gravitate here, but in sufficiently small numbers for the area to retain all of its distinctive character and charm.

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