Rasų Colony is one of the most authentic and least altered districts of Vilnius, renowned for its residential complex reminiscent of Swiss-style villas. This place attracts not only lovers of architecture but also filmmakers – quite recently, it stood in for a Norwegian town, and has also served as a backdrop for numerous historical and documentary films.
As early as the 18th century, the area where Rasų Colony now stands was home to a park and garden, and in the 19th century the estate belonged to the Counts Čapskiai. Interestingly, Vitebsko and Balstogės streets have retained the names they were given at the end of the 19th century. Designed in Vilnius in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the residential complex is distinguished by its multi-sloped roofs, wooden details, Swiss villa–style features, and neoclassical décor.
Rasų Colony is sometimes also called the Garden of Paradise – unsurprisingly, since this authentic quarter of narrow streets was envisioned as a manifestation of the “garden city” ideal. Even today, the neighborhood remains full of urban gardens and greenery.
The colony consists of 30 houses arranged within a network of five small streets. It is an exceptionally cinematic location – capable of transforming into different countries and historical periods.
In 2025, Vilnius is hosting the filming of the four-part Norwegian historical thriller “Rinnanas” for Amazon Prime Video. Part of the production took place in Rasų Colony – on Švenčionių, Vitebsko, and Balstogės streets – which on screen will become the Norwegian city of Trondheim. A complex shootout scene featured artificial rain, lifts, prop weapons, and sound effects of gunfire.
This is not the first international project filmed here. In 2016, the BBC series “The Pope vs. Hitler” was shot on Švenčionių Street. The Vilnius locations recreated real events that took place in Berlin, Munich, the Vatican, and Rome. The film tells the true story of Pope Pius XI, who sought to resist Adolf Hitler by using secret agents within the Nazi army.
Rasų Colony has also become a favorite among advertising creators. Its charming houses and winding streets appeared in the Christmas commercial for the French chocolate and confectionery brand Révillon, filmed in Vilnius – a piece that enchants viewers with its festive atmosphere.
Rasų koloniją pamėgo ir reklamos kūrėjai. Čia stovintys namai ir dailios gatvelės tapo fonu prancūzų šokolado ir saldainių gamintojo „Révillon“ kalėdinei reklamai, filmuotai Vilniuje – kūrinys užburia savo šventine atmosfera.
