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Vilnius is the capital city of the Republic of Lithuania and the largest city of the country with population exceed 550,000 in 2003.

Geographic and population data

Vilnius is situated in Southeastern Lithuania (54°41′N 25°17′E / 54.683°N 25.283°E / 54.683; 25.283) at the confluence of the River Vilnia (Vilnelė) and the River Neris. This non-central location can be attributed to the changing shape of the nation's borders throughout past centuries; Vilnius was once not only culturally, but geographically the center of the Ethnic Lithuania and was also one of the major cities of the region.

The distance from Vilnius to the Baltic Sea and Klaipėda, the only Lithuanian seaport, is about 312 km. Other major Lithuanian cities such as Kaunas, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys can be reached quickly and easily. They are 102, 214 and 135 km from the capital respectively.

The current area of Vilnius is 402 square kilometres. Buildings cover 20.2% of the city and in the remaining areas, greenery (43.9%) and waters (2.1%) prevail.

According to 2001 census by Vilnius Regional Statistical Office, there were 553904 inhabitants in Vilnius, of which 57.8% (313424) were Lithuanians, 18.3% (101526) Poles, 13.7% (75850) Russians, 3.8% (21484) Belarusians, the remaining have not indicated their nationality or indicated other nationalities.

Vilnius is the largest administrative centre in Lithuania with all major political, economic, social and cultural institutions located in the city. The County of Vilnius covers the regions of Vilnius, Šalčininkai, Širvintos, Švenčionys, Trakai, Ukmergė and municipality of Elektrėnai; totalling up to 9,650 km².

History

The area of present Vilnius has been inhabited by Lithuanians for centuries, as is proven by numerous archaeological findings in different parts of the city. According to one of the theories, Vilnius is possibly Voruta, the forgotten capital of king Mindaugas. Vilnius itself was probably established as a capital by Gediminas, King of Lithuania in the beginning of 14th century. It was granted Magdeburg rights in 1387.

There's a number of tales about Vilnius' founding: according to one of them, Vilnius per se was founded after Gediminas had a prophetic dream about an iron wolf houling on a top of the hill. When he asked a priest krivis Lizdeika for an explanation, he was told that he must build a castle on the top of that hill, which is strategically surrounded by three rivers (Vilnelė, Neris and Vingria (now underground)) and a grand city around that hill, so that "the iron-wolf-like sound about this great city would spread around the world". So Gediminas somehow turned pagan Lithuania back to Mindaugas pro-Western and Christian Europe establishing a capital in the former capital place though forging the original name to Vilnius.

The city was first mentioned in written sources in 1323. The original part of Vilnius was the castle built by Gediminas on Castle Hill. The city became better known after Gediminas wrote the letters of invitation to principal Hansa towns in 1323, offering free access into his domains to men of every order and profession. The town was initially populated by local Lithuanians, but in 14th century the craftsmen and merchants of other nationalities settled in the city.

Between 1503 and 1522 the city was surrounded with walls that had nine gates and three towers. Vilnius reached the peak of its development under the reign of Grand Duke Žygimantas Senasis. In the following centuries, Vilnius became a constantly growing and developing city. This growth was due in part, to the establishment of Vilnius University by Grand Duke Steponas Batoras in 1579. The university soon developed into one of the most important scientific and cultural centres of the region and the most notable scientific centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Of course, political, economic and social life was also in full swing there. This is proved by statutes issued in the 16th century, the last of which was still in force until the 19th century. In 1769 the Rasų cemetery was founded; today it is one of the oldest surviving cemeteries in the world.

Rapidly developing, the Lithuanian city was open to migrants from both East and West. Communities of Jews, Germans, Karaims, Ruthenians, Poles and others established themselves in the city. Each group made its contribution to the life of the city: At that time crafts, trade and science were prospering. In 1655 Vilnius was captured by the forces of Russia and was pillaged, burned and the population was massacred. City's growth lost its momentum for many years, yet the number of inhabitants quickly recovered and by the beginning of the 19th century the city was the third largest city in Eastern Europe. Russian occupation policy made the destruction of the city walls a must and after 1799-1805 period, only the Aušros Vartai gate (also known as Medininkų Gate) remained.

After the Third Partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, Vilnius was annexed by Russia and became the capital of a gubernya. In 1812 the city was seized by Napoleon on his push towards Moscow. After the failure of the campaign, the Grande Armee retreated to the area where thousands of French soldiers died and were buried in the trenches they had built months earlier. After the November Uprising the Vilnius University was closed and repression halted the further development of the city. During the January Uprising in 1863 heavy city fights occurred, but were pacified by Mikhail Muravev. Muravev was nick-named The Hanger by the population because of the number of executions he organized. After the uprising all liberties were halted and the Lithuanian, Polish, and Belarusian languages were banned.

During the World War I Vilnius was occupied by Germany from 1915 until 1918. On February 16, 1918 in Vilnius The Restoration of Independence of Lithuania was proclaimed. The institutions of the state were established. But very soon, on January 3 1919 the city was taken by Bolshevik forces advancing from the east. On April 19, 1919 the city was seized by the Polish army, advancing from the south. On July, 1920 the capital returned to Lithuania.

On October 9, 1920 the "Lithuanian-Belarusian" Division of the Polish army under general Lucjan Żeligowski seized the city after a staged mutiny. The city and its surroundings were proclaimed a separate "state" of Central Lithuania by puppet militaries and were illegaly incorporated to Poland. The city was totaly squalid by Poles and suffered vegetation during all time of occupation from 1920 to 1939.

Lithuania never recognized the occupation of capital and Eastern Lithuania. The constitutions of Lithuania mentioned Vilnius as the capital of the state. All diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Poland were broken.

As an effect of World War II Soviets seized the city on September 19, 1939. The city and surrounding areas were returned to Lithuania regarding the Peace Treaty between Lithuania and Soviet Russia of July 12, 1920. The Lithuanian Army and authorities entered Vilnius shortly afterwards and the state institutions started to be gradually transferred from temporary capital Kaunas. However, the process was not yet finished when in June of 1940 Vilnius was again seized by the Soviet Union and became the capital of the Lithuanian SSR. Approximately 35,000 - 40,000 of the city inhabitants were arrested by the NKVD and sent to Gulags.

In June 1941 the city was again seized by Germany. A failed Jewish ghetto uprising on September 1 1943 (the Vilnius uprising) led to the final destruction of the ghetto. About 95% of the local Jewish population was murdered. Many of them were among 100,000 victims of the mass executions in Paneriai.

Vilnius was again seized by the Soviets on July, 1944 and with all country suffered terrible communist occupation for almost 50 years.

Beginning in 1987 there were massive demonstrations against Soviet rule in the country. On March 11, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Lithuanian SSR announced its independence from the Soviet Union and restored the independent Republic of Lithuania, which had been annexed by Soviets back in 1940. The Soviets responded on January 9, 1991, by sending in troops, and on January 13 during the Soviet Army attack on the State Radio and Television Building and the Vilnius TV retranslation tower 14 people were killed and more than 700 were seriously injured. However, the Soviet Union finally recognized Lithuanian independence in August 1991.

Since then, Vilnius has been rapidly evolving and improving, transforming from a Soviet into a European city in less than 10 years.

Vilnius Coat of Arms

The Vilnius coat of arms is St. Christopher (Kristupas) wading in the water and carrying the Infant Jesus on his shoulders. The coat of arms was given to the city in the seventh year of its existence, i.e. in 1330.

In pagan times, i.e. until the end of the 14th century, the Vilnius coat of arms featured Titan Alkis, hero of Lithuanian ancient tales, carrying his wife Janteryte on his shoulders across the river.

The origin of the name Vilnius

It is believed that Vilnius, like so many cities, was named after a river on whose banks it lies, i.e. the River Vilnia.

Tourism information

Vilnius is a modern, cosmopolitan city reminiscent of Copenhagen or Paris, with mixed architecture. There are more than 40 churches in Vilnius to see. 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.

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. Narrow, curved streets and small cosy courtyards developed in the radial layout of the medieval Vilnius.

The Old Town, historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe (3.6 km²). The most valuable historic and cultural sites are concentrated here. The buildings in the old town - there are nearly 1,500 - were built over several centuries, creating a splendid blend of many different architectural styles. Although Vilnius is often called a baroque city, here you will find some buildings of gothic, renaissance and other styles. The main 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. Because of its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. In 1995 the only known cast of Frank Zappa was installed in the centre of Vilnius with the permission of the government. Konstantinas Bogdanas, the renowned Lithuanian sculptor, immortalized Zappa.

Famous inhabitants of Vilnius

• Jonas Karolis Katkevičius (1560-1621), famous Lithuanian commander and politician
• Elijah ben Solomon Gaon mi Vilnius (1720-1797), Jewish scholar and Kabbalist

Climate

The climate of Vilnius is transitional between continental and maritime. The average annual temperature is + 6.1 degrees Celsius, in January being – 4.9 and +17.0 degrees Celsius in July. The average precipitation is about 661 mm per year.

There are extremely hot summers with temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius throughout the whole day. It is a real joy for owners of bars, cafés and night clubs as well as for people desiring entertainment: night life in Vilnius is in full swing on such days.

Transport

Vilnius is the starting point of the Vilnius-Kaunas-Klaipėda and the Vilnius-Panevėžys highways. Though the river Neris may be navigable, no regular water routes exist. Vilnius International Airport serves most Lithuanian international flights to many major European destinations. Vilnius railway station is an important hub as well.

There is a trolleybus network for main public transport routes. An urban rail system is planned for the future. More information can be found at the Vilnius Transport website.

External links

• Vilnius' website - the best guide in the city
• Uherope - Travel Tips to Vilnius and more
• Vilnius in Old Photographs - archive of photographs at Vilnius University
• Law University of Lithuania in Vilnius

• Hospitality Club Vilnius - stay with friendly inhabitants of Vilnius for free.

• Lithuanian cities
• Capitals in Europe