Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most frequently visited cities of Eastern Europe. It draws attention not only because of its unique architecture but also by its cultural events and attractions. A variety of business, political and cultural meetings are held here.

With about 540,000 residents, Vilnius is the largest city of the country.

As the multicultural city and the centre for numerous religions, Vilnius has always attracted visitors and fascinated everyone with its hospitality and architectural diversity.

Interesting facts about Vilnius:

In 2009, Lithuania will celebrate a millennium anniversary of the first mention of the Lithuania’s name. Many events are being organised for that occasion, the city will be decorated, and it is planned to complete the restoration of the Grand Ducal Castle in the square of the capital. The Upper (on Gediminas Hill) Castle belonged to the complex of the Grand Ducal Castle and today can be reached by funicular railway.

Almost all styles of architecture, from Gothic to Classical, can be found in Vilnius.  However, Vilnius is the largest Baroque city to the North of the Alps, and is often referred to as “the Little Rome“.

Due to its unique historical and architectural features, the Old Town of Vilnius was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Like all other medieval cities, Vilnius developed around the Town Hall. The main street, called Pilies Street, connected the Grand Ducal Castle and the Town Hall. Other winding streets of the city led to the mansions of the nobility and landlords, churches, small shops and craftsmen shops. Narrow winding streets and small cosy courtyards formed a radial plan of medieval Vilnius. The remains of the impressive medieval construction – a city wall of Vilnius (next to the Bastion, the Gates of Dawn) – can be still seen in several places.

In terms of architecture, Vilnius is a city of 100 churches. There are about 40 churches of different architectural styles in the Old Town. The so-called ‘corner of blazing Gothic’ – the Churches of St Bernardino and St Anne - attract the most visitors. As many as 33 different shapes of bricks have been used in the construction of the Church of St Anne. It is the subject of a much-quoted remark, said to have been made by Napoleon, the famous French military leader, when his army occupied Vilnius in 1812, that he would like to be able to place it in the palm of his hand and take it back with him to Paris.

In the 16th century Vilnius became an important educational and cultural centre. Vilnius University established by the Jesuits is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. The Old Town campus is arranged around thirteen courtyards, where you can, not only see impressive architectural elements, but also visit the Church of St John the Baptist and the Observatory.

The geographical centre of Europe is located in the vicinity of Vilnius. According to the French National Geographical Institute, the geographical centre of Europe lies 26 kilometres north of Vilnius, going along the Molėtai highway.

For more information about Vilnius, please visit http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/