Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of the Republic of Lithuania.

Vilnius is somewhat unique compared to the major cities in the rest of the Baltic States, its old architecture being a hodge-podge of styles with Scandinavian, Russian and German influences. The mix blends well into a charming ‘Vilnian Baroque’, that fills the cobblestone winding streets of the old quarter. The city is further enhanced by its picturesque setting in a valley at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, nestling beneath wooded hills in the south-east corner of Lithuania.

The city boasts numerous other interesting churches, beautiful historic buildings, museums, monuments and parks, and the splendid University of Vilnius, one of Europe’s oldest institutions of learning, chartered in 1579. Many of Vilnius churches and towers, fortifications, secluded medieval courtyards and narrow streets are a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles.

Vilnius, like all Lithuanian cities, has a wide selection of restaurants. Lithuanian beer is widely considered to be some of the best in the world. Drink it with tasty local breads and cheeses or national dishes like “zeppelins”, balloon-shaped potato cakes filled with meat, or potato sausages and pancakes.

 

For more information about Vilnius visit: http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/ and about events in Vilnius: http://www.vilnius-events.lt/en