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 Circa
1323 AD, the great ruler Grand Duke Gediminas wrote letters, inviting
craftsmen and merchants from across Europe to settle in Vilnius. It has
since grown into the modern city and capital of Lithuania as it is known
now. With an estimated population of 542,000, the city boasts an array
of Gothic and Baroque architecture and is one of the largest Old Towns
in Central and Eastern Europe, protected under the UNESCO World Heritage
List amongst other things.
Vilnius also has one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, the
Vilnius University, which was founded in 1579. It has a library that
holds more than 180,000 old manuscripts, rare editions and other
publications. The most impressive is its collections of maps, believed
to be Europe’s most extensive.
There are many symbolic establishment in the city of Vilnius and two of
them are the Upper Castle on Gediminas Hill and the Cathedral on the
city's main square. The Cathedral is a graceful piece of Classical
architecture as well as the main sanctuary for Catholics in Lithuania.
 The
Gates of Dawn located at the edge of the Old Town is one of the most
renowned sacred places for Catholics around the world. The main
attraction is the Chapel which holds the miraculous 17th century icon of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the 20th century, the image of Mary was
renamed under Mother of Mercy, and inside the Cathedral Basilica of St.
Peter and Paul in Rome, a chapel was created in her honour.
Vilnius charms every visitor with its romantic atmosphere and stylish
cafés, which spill out in the summer onto the Old Town’s narrow lanes
and pavements. The Old Town and its historical buildings make a perfect
scene, especially when seen from Vilnius’ skyscrapers in the bustling
new business centre. The Lithuanian capital has several extremely modern
and highly popular shopping centres, each of which sells the latest in
world fashion.
As with most European countries, it is their beverages that visitors
would focus on; mainly their beers, which is considered to be the
national drink in Lithuania. It is suggested that visitors try
Lithuanian beer together with dishes ranging from distinctive to
traditional, for they complement the taste. Night time Vilnius is simply
irresistible and can offer any number of adventures in its clubs and
bars.
Being a modern and fast-growing city along with a well-developed
infrastructure and ambitious future plans, Vilnius is sure to attract
visitors to pay a visit to this Eastern European country. Along with the
Austrian town of Linz, Vilnius is the first among the new members of the
European Union to become the European Capital of Culture.
With all the culture to behold in one city, Vilnius is certainly one
that is both a memorable and unforgettable trip.
Book Vilnius Hotels here
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