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4 days ago · Vilnius, city, capital of Lithuania, at the confluence of the Neris (Russian Viliya) and Vilnia rivers. A settlement existed on the site in the 10th century, and the first documentary reference to it dates from 1128.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Vilnius (/ ˈ v ɪ l n i ə s / VIL-nee-əs, Lithuanian: [ˈvʲɪlʲnʲʊs] ⓘ; previously known in English as Vilna, see other names) is the capital of and largest city in Lithuania, and the second-most populous city in the Baltic states.
Facts about Vilnius. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and thus home to the country’s President, Seimas, Government and Supreme Court. Diplomatic missions, as well as educational, cultural, financial, research, and healthcare institutions are based here. Governmental institutions work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Take in That Old Town Charm
- Uncover Centuries of Jewish History
- Visit A 'Country' Within A City
- Reveal The City’S Soviet Past
- Find A New Point of View
- Craft Your Shopping List
- Savour The Flavours of Lithuania
- Brew Up A Night Out
- Day Trip to Trakai
Dating back to the 14th century, Vilnius has quite the historical pedigree. While the city's Unesco-listed Old Town is primarily known for its baroque buildings (of which the meticulously restored Palace of the Grand Dukes is one), a variety of styles are crammed onto its diminutive medieval footprint, from the Gothic St Anne's Church to the classi...
Once known as the Jerusalem of the North, the city's history has been inextricably interwoven with that of its Jewish community since the first Jewish merchants, traders and craftspeople were invited to Vilnius by the Grand Dukes just after it was founded. Thriving, the Litvak (Lithuanian Jewish) population grew to 100,000 before WWII but, tragical...
There can’t be many cities in the world where a collective of artists has banded together to declare their district an independent republic. But that’s exactly what happened in the creative neighbourhood of Užupis in 1997. Were they serious or was it intended to be a work of performance art? That's still unclear but, whatever their motivation, they...
Lithuania’s history is complex, fascinating, and often harrowing. Following WWII, the country came under Soviet rule and, although resistance among Lithuanians was heartfelt, it was brutally stifled; the Museum of Genocide Victimsgives a shocking insight into daily life during the Soviet period. The country's independence was finally acknowledged b...
The best way to see a city is often from above, and you won't find yourself short of options to get a bird's-eye-view in Vilnius. If you've the stamina for a reasonably steep ascent, the Hill of Three Crosses– a monument to a group of martyred monks – offers a spectacular panorama. Dog walkers and tourists mingle with canoodling teenagers on summer...
Traditional crafts are alive and well in Lithuania, and the capital is full of places to snaffle yourself a souvenir. Baltic amber jewellery or trinkets are the main sell, though fakes abound, so galleries such as the Amber Museum are your best bet to be sure you're getting the real deal. For a weightier purchase, head to Užupis Blacksmith Museum-G...
Long gone are the days when Baltic cuisine was synonymous with 'stodge', but you’d be missing out if you went all that way and didn’t challenge yourself to finish the daddy of the dumplings, the torpedo-shaped cepelinai. Filled with ground meat, mushrooms or curd cheese, these potato dumplings are the very definition of comfort food, though you may...
With a student population of over 20,000, you'd be right to expect things to get lively after dark. Beer (alus) experts are well-catered for: brew-pub Craft & Draft always has five of their own beers on tap as well as dozens of national and international choices, while Vejai'scraft beer and cider menu will satisfy the thirstiest of punters and get ...
A little over half an hour on the train from Vilnius, the island castle at Trakai is an arresting sight, seemingly taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale, and well worth the trip on a visit to the Lithuanian capital. The 15th-century castle is most spectacular when seen from the water, so take a boat trip around it on Lake Galvė or, if you l...
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Oct 9, 2018 · Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. Learn more about the European nation of Lithuania as well as the historical and modern role of Vilnius as the capital.
- Oishimaya Sen Nag
Dec 16, 2023 · 10. The Gate of Dawn. One of the best things to do in Vilnius is to visit The Gate of Dawn. It’s a symbol of the city’s faith and resilience. Built in the 16th century as a part of the city’s defensive walls, it’s the only gate that remains out of the original nine.
1920 Poland forces reoccupied the city. 1939 The USSR captured the city. 1940 Became the capital of the newly formed Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic SSR. 1941- 1944 Occupied by German forces during World War II. 1991 Continuing to be the capital, but now to the newly independent Lithuania. 2004 Member of NATO and a member of the EU.
