Vilnius
The historic city of Vilnius (founded in 1323) is the capital of Lithuania. Surrounded on three sides by wooded hills and situated in a picturesque valley formed by the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the ancient yet modern centre of the city lies on the southern or left bank of the river. Unlike Riga and Tallinn in the other Baltic Republics, Vilnius is not of Germanic origin, although like these other cities it has a large old quarter which is gradually being restored. Almost all major European architectural styles are represented, although ultimately it was the Baroque which came to dominate. The heart of the capital is the beautiful and spacious Gediminas Square, the main feature of which is the Cathedral built in the Classical style. Other interesting churches are the Gothic St Ann’s Church and the St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which houses the body of St Casimieras, one of the most revered of Lithuania’s dukes. It also includes some fine sculptures. Any itinerary of the city should include the historic University of Vilnius, which was granted its charter in 1579, the Golden Age in the city’s history. The university is among the oldest in Central Europe and has a distinctly Renaissance feel with its inner courtyards and arcades. To enjoy a view of the whole city, visitors should climb the tower of Gediminas Castle. High on a hill in the centre of the city, it rises above Vilnius and is the symbol of the Lithuanian capital.
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