Vilnius

Vilnius (Belarusian ??????, {{P-L}} ', Russian ???????, formerly ??????, German Wilna; see also cities' alternative names) is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, with a population of over 540,000 in 2003. It is the capital of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the county seat of Vilnius County.

Tourism information

Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse 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.

Related Topics:
Cosmopolitan - Architecture - Church - Restaurant - Hotel - Museum - Hospitality Club

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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.

Related Topics:
Medieval - Town Hall - Pilies Street - Feudal - Courtyard

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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 center of Vilnius with the permission of the government. Zappa was immortalized by Konstantinas Bogdanas, a renowned Lithuanian sculptor who had previously cast busts of Vladimir Lenin.

Related Topics:
Old Town - Europe - Baroque - Gothic - Renaissance - Gediminas Castle - Cathedral Square - UNESCO - World Heritage List - 1994 - 1995 - Cast - Frank Zappa - Konstantinas Bogdanas - Vladimir Lenin

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