Vilnius

Vilnius- the capital of Lithuania is the home of the President, the Seimas, the Government and the Supreme Court. Diplomatic missions, educational, cultural, financial, research, and health care institutions are based there. It is also the largest city of the country with 560 thousand inhabitants and occupies an area of about 400 sq.km.

Vilnius old town is one of the largest (about 360ha with over 1,500 buildings) and most exquisite old towns in Central and Eastern Europe and the most northernmost capital city which took over the architectural styles of old Southern and Western Europe.

Known as “the Jerusalem of the North” until German occupation during World War II, Vilnius boasts cultural influences that include Jewish, Lithuanian, Polish, French, German and even American elements. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Vilnius’ Old Town is among the largest in Eastern Europe. Contrast is the defining characteristic of Vilnius—amidst the rich cultural history there is also a burgeoning population of young artists and musicians.

Vilnius ensembles of churches and palaces reflect Italian renaissance and baroque, the Russian Byzantine style, Jewish elements and even traces of pagan structures. Vilnius also has a Montmartre of its own - the Uzupis Republic, the Mecca of artists with different galleries and art performances. 
The Old Town is a picturesque confection of cobbled streets, courtyards, cupolas and a castle. It boasts the abundance of cosy cafes, restaurants, souvenir vendors and fancy boutiques.

In 2009 it will be the 1000th anniversary of the first mention of Lithuania in historical annals. For this occasion Vilnius has been proclaimed European capital of culture (together with the city of Linz, in Austria).
The motto of the Vilnius – European Capital of Culture 2009 programme is Culture Live! Not only artists, but anyone wishing to participate, will be invited to join the celebratory creative process of creating culture and unleashing creative energy in non-traditional spaces.

Museum lovers will not be disappointed by the Lithuanian National Museum, the Museum of Applied Art and the Vilnius Picture Gallery. Admirers of contemporary art will find it worth visiting the Contemporary Art Centre, while those who wish to feel the chill of the dreadful totalitarian era inflicted on Lithuania (1940–1990) can visit the Genocide Victims’ Museum, which has been established in former KGB premises.

Vilnius University occupies a large section of the Old Town, with Sv. Jono, Skapo and Universiteto streets as its boundaries. Founded by Jesuits in 1579, Vilnius University is amongst the oldest, most famous schools in Eastern Europe. It's fleet of buildings are among the best preserved in town and represent an array of architectural styles. A maze of 13 courtyards, arcades and decorative arches, galleries, monuments, murals, frescoes and an old astronomical observatory - the two main highlights are the Church of St. John with its towering belfry, and the University Library containing over 6 million tomes, many ancient, unique and rare.