Lithuania / Vilnius
Vilnius

VILNIUS

The extraordinary beauty of Vilnius can be seen everywhere, whether you climb on one of the city's hills in order to explore the old-town panorama, or if you sit at the table of one of the outdoor cafeterias, surrounded by high church towers. In the old-town protected by UNESCO since 1994 Gothic and neo-classical styles intertwine with breathtaking late baroque. The whole city of Vilnius could be called a monument for architecture.
The capital of Lithuania managed to preserve its uniqueness partially due to its past of isolation. However, the tides of history gave it a greater multicultural spirit, which is not so much expressed in other cities of the country.
Vilnius was mentioned for the first time in 1323, when Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, wrote letters for craftsmen in German cities, inviting them to come and settle here, promising good conditions for their activity and all other rights. The pagan Vilnius was attacked during the Northern Crusades many times. In 14th century it became the capital of an empire stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Vilnius sank down to the status of a provincial city in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, but after a period of devastating wars, attacks and fires in the late 17th - mid 18th centuries the city was rebuilt and decorated with ornate baroque buildings, which distinguish Vilnius among other cities today.

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