Hydrographic features of Vilnius surroundings and their influence on the city development

Abstract

The article provides knowledge about less known small streams, flowing in the territory of Vilnius city, which extend less than 10 km or are little longer. In the article, it will also be told about the already "hidden" and forgotten small streams of Vilnius, which historically flowed abundantly in the city and its surroundings, provided the city's residents with drinking water, met household needs, and served as defensive fortifications. There is very little historical knowledge about the city’s small streams. Their presence can be judged only by assessing the city's terrain and natural conditions, analyzing old city plans, collecting archival information. With the expansion of Vilnius, important streams were flooded or drained, lost their significance and were forgotten. During the partial reconstruction of the hydrographic network of Vilnius, after studying the lithology of the historical period of the city, a temporary watercourse of Vilnius was discovered based on the location of gravelly rocks. These flows are important because of the fact that the first main streets of Vilnius stretched along their routes. Both now and in the past smaller streams had always had their role and getting to know them is important and necessary in restoring the former image of the city and the perception of the present and past of the times.