Vilnius - the capital of which country?

The rapidly developing city of Vilnius is the capital of what country? It is the largest city in Lithuania, an important center of science, culture and sports. In the Lithuanian capital, many parks, trees, lawns and other green spaces, pleasing the eyes with a bright palette of summer colors. Green areas - parks and forests - make up a fairly large part of the city of Vilnius. The capital of any country, if not Lithuania, will satisfy the desire of travelers to combine visiting the amazing historical places of the old city and enjoying nature. The old town is an architectural miracle and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Recently, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of foundation

According to legend, the city was founded by Prince Gedimin on the spot where he saw an iron wolf in his sleep. In fact, the first settlement was formed by proto-balts, and the flowering occurred during the reign of the Gedimins. The prince invited artisans, merchants and clergy from Western Europe to Vilnius, mentioning the two Catholic churches of the city, promising them a position and privileges. His letters in Latin in 1323 - the first mention of the existence of the city of Vilnius.

The capital of Lithuania

Many city buildings witness the history of the country. On the Castle Hill you can admire the Gedimin Tower, which was part of the Upper Castle of the Lithuanian princes. At the foot of the hill, next to the cathedral, stands the palace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, reconstructed in 2009. There is also a presidential palace (formerly governor's palace). Vilnius has many other historical, as well as religious sights.

The country was the last pagan state in Europe and the only one that in 1387 was forced to adopt Christianity. Today, 79% of Lithuanians are Catholics.

Numerous churches of Vilnius city

Which capital of a country still boasts such a large number of historical Catholic and Orthodox churches that passed from Orthodox to Uniates and Catholics? In the Soviet era, many of them were closed and deprived of religious functions. The churches of Vilnius represent various architectural styles, for example Gothic or Classicism, but Baroque remains one of the most popular styles of urban architecture. Vilnius has its own "Vilnius" version of the baroque, a vivid example of this - the Peter and Paul Church in Antakalnis.

Northern Jerusalem

Previously they said: "If you need money, go to Lodz, and if you need wisdom, go to Vilnius." Which capital of the country at that time gave such rights to the Jews? In the city, they were allowed to engage in trade, to receive free education at the Vilnius University or numerous Talmudic schools. Here Jewish newspapers were printed, schools and libraries worked, religious life flourished. Religious life. In 1939 there were 105 synagogues and prayer houses in Vilnius, and Jews accounted for about 30% of the population.

Brother of Montmartre

The former handicraft district of Vilnius Užupis was chosen by artists, at the end of the 20th century it was declared the Republic of Užupis. This region is considered the twin brother of the Montmartre district in Paris.