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Vilnius Lithuania

INTRODUCTION

Vilnius is the largest city and capital of Lithuania. Located in southeastern Lithuania, the city is located near what is thought to be the geographical center of Europe. The Old Town Vilnius, which is the historical center of Vilnius, is one of the largest Old Town's in Europe.

HISTORY

The city of Vilnius is first mentioned in writings from 1323. The city thrived as a kingdom for many centuries until the invasion of the Russians during the Russo-Polish war in the 17th century. The city was briefly occupied by Napoleon during his surge toward Moscow in the 1800s, but ultimately stayed in Russian hands until occupied by Germany in World War I. After World War I the country passed between the Polish and the USSR, but was again seized by the German's during World War II. The large Jewish community of Vilnius suffered greatly under Nazi control until the city was again seized by the Red Army in 1944. The country stayed under Soviet control until 1991 and has spent much of the post-Soviet era erasing its Soviet past.

ATTRACTIONS

Old Town Vilnius

Gediminas Castle

Cathedral Square