Vilnius And Rome Unite Through Davide Rivalta Wolf Sculpture On Gediminas Hill

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover how Vilnius and Rome are connected through a striking bronze wolf sculpture by Italian artist Davide Rivalta on Gediminas Hill, celebrating thirty-five years of diplomatic ties.

Vilnius has unveiled a life-sized bronze sculpture titled “Wolf” by contemporary Italian artist Davide Rivalta on Gediminas Hill. Installed in June 2026, the artwork marks the 35th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Italy and highlights the shared founding myths of Vilnius and Rome.

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The Mythical Connection Between Two Capitals

The founding myths of Vilnius and Rome converge on the symbolism of the wolf. Rome traces its origins to the Capitoline Wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus. Meanwhile, Vilnius points back to Grand Duke Gediminas and his prophetic dream of an iron wolf, whose howl foretold the rise of the city.

Placing the sculpture on Gediminas Hill bridges these ancient narratives. The artwork stands directly on the historic site where the Grand Duke envisioned his capital. It now sits on the viewing platform near the Gediminas Castle Tower, which serves as the most visited branch of the National Museum of Lithuania.

Celebrating Thirty-Five Years of Diplomacy

Diplomatic ties between Lithuania and Italy were severed during the Soviet occupation and restored following Lithuanian independence in 1990. The new installation forms a central milestone of the ongoing 2025-2026 Italian-Lithuanian Cultural Programme and the Year of Lithuanian Culture in Italy.

Italian Ambassador Emanuele de Maigret noted that the sculpture celebrates centuries of cultural exchange. The project was conceived through the Italian Embassy in Vilnius and the National Museum of Lithuania. It received promotion from the Italian Ministry of Culture, collaboration from the Vilnius City Municipality and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and financial backing from the Vilnius Club.

Centuries of Italian Influence in Vilnius

The artistic connection between Italy and Vilnius runs deep. Historical ties stretch from Roman-era Amber Road trade routes to Renaissance influences introduced by Italian-born Queen Bona Sforza. A bas-relief on the Bona Sforza Square honors her heavy impact on the 16th-century political and economic life of the Grand Duchy.

Italian architects, painters, and sculptors shaped the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town from the 16th century onward. Key architectural landmarks display this enduring heritage clearly:

• Church of St. Peter and St. Paul: Located in Antakalnis, the interior features more than 2,000 unique stucco figures crafted by Italian masters Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli.
• Pacai Palace: Transformed into a hotel, this 17th-century aristocratic residence brought together architect Giovanni Battista Frediani, stucco master Giovanni Pietro Perti, and painter Michelangelo Palloni.
• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania: This 15th-century historical site highlights the governance and cultural shifts steered by Queen Bona Sforza.

Meet the Sculptor and the Vision

Davide Rivalta is a celebrated contemporary sculptor born in Bologna. His public animal installations appear across Italy, Dublin, Oslo, and now Vilnius. The bronze wolf represents his ongoing artistic exploration of placing wildlife into human urban landscapes.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas emphasized that the artwork enriches the local cultural landscape. The installation invites residents and visitors to look at the capital through a fresh lens. Go Vilnius, the official tourism and business development agency of the city, notes that public monuments like this cement the capital as a dynamic crossroads of European history and contemporary art.

Visit Vilnius now:

Go Vilnius | the Official Development Agency of the City of Vilnius

www.govilnius.lt