LITHUANIA : The Capital VILNIUS
Vilnius is situated in southeastern Lithuania at the confluence of the
Vilnia and Neris Rivers. It is believed that Vilnius, like many other
cities, was named after the Vilnia. Vilnius
is the capital of Lithuania and one of the country's oldest cities. In
the year 1323, the Lithuanian Duke Gedimas, founded the city. The
fortress on Castle Hill was used for defense purposes and was called the
Upper Castle.
The city itself is divided by the Neris river in two parts : the old
town and the modern town. The old town is filled with Gothic,
Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, and
the most valuable historic and cultural sites are concentrated here.
Because of its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the
UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
Most of the 1500 historically important buildings were constructed over
several centuries, creating a splendid blend of many different
architectural styles. Vilnius has
the oldest university in Eastern Europe, University of Vilnius, founded
in 1579. Also impressive is the Church of Saint Ann, which Napoleon
wanted to bring with him to France because it was so beautiful, Pilies,
the oldest street of Vilnius, the Gates of Dawn and the Cathedral have
to be mentioned.
Like most medieval towns, Vilnius has developed around its Town Hall.
The main artery, Pilies Street, links the governor's palace and the Town
Hall. Other streets meander through the palaces of feudal lords and
landlords, churches, shops and craftsmen's workrooms. The main tourist
sights of the city are the Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral Square,
symbols of the capital. Their combination is also a gateway to the
historic centre of the capital.
During World War I Vilnius was occupied by the troops of the German
Kaiser for three and a half years. On 16 February, 1918, Lithuanian
Council in Vilnius proclaimed an independent Lithuanian Republic. In the
autumn of 1920, Vilnius and the region to which it belonged were
occupied by Poland. On October 10th, 1939, Lithuania and the Soviet
Union signed a treaty on mutual aid, in accordance with which Vilnius
and the Vilnius Region were returned to Lithuania. In 1940, Vilnius
became the capital of Soviet Lithuania, which meant it was an
administrative center of occupied Lithuania. On March 11th, 1990, the
Supreme Council restored Lithuania's independence.
Restaurants, hotels and museums have sprouted since Lithuania declared
independence, and young Vilnius residents are providing the city a
reputation for being the most hospitable in the world as evidenced by
the large membership of the Hospitality Club.
