booming city Vilnius - the capital of which country?It is the largest city in Lithuania, an important center of science, culture and sports.The Lithuanian capital has many parks, trees, lawns and other green spaces, pleasing the eye bright palette of colors of summer.Green areas - parks and forests - make up a large part of the city of Vilnius.The capital of a country, if not in Lithuania, to satisfy the desire of travelers to combine a visit to the amazing historical sites of the old city and enjoy nature.The old town is an architectural marvel, and each year attracts thousands of visitors.Recently, the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
history base
According to legend, founded the city of Duke Gediminas in the place where his dreams dreamed an iron wolf.In fact, the first settlement was established protobaltami and flourished in the reign of Gediminas.Prince invited artisans, merchants and clergy from Western Europe in Vilnius, referring to the two Catholic churches in the city, promising them the position and privileges.His letter in Latin in 1323 - the first mention of the existence of the city of Vilnius.
capital of Lithuania
Many city buildings are witnesses of history.On Castle Hill you can admire the Gediminas Tower, which was part of the Upper castle Lithuanian princes.At the foot of the hill, next to the cathedral, it is the palace of Grand Duke of Lithuania, renovated in 2009.There is also the Presidential Palace (former governor).Many other historic and religious landmarks have Vilnius.
The country was the last pagan state in Europe and the only one which in 1387 was forced to convert to Christianity.Today, 79% of Lithuanians - Catholics.
Numerous churches in Vilnius
capital of which country can still boast of so many historical Catholic and Orthodox churches, the transition from the orthodox to the Uniate Catholics?In the Soviet era, many of them were closed and denied religious functions.Vilnius Church represent different architectural styles such as Gothic and Classicism, Baroque but remains one of the most popular styles of urban architecture.In Vilnius, pronounced his own, "Vilnius' Baroque version, the bright example of this - the Peter and Paul church in the Antakalnis.
North Jerusalem
used to say: "If you need money, go to Lodz, or if you need wisdom - go to Vilnius."The capital of a country at a time to grant such rights to the Jews?In the city, they were allowed to trade freely get an education at Vilnius University and numerous Talmudic schools.There were published Jewish newspaper, working schools and libraries flourished zhizn.ligioznaya religious life.In 1939 in Vilnius, there were 105 synagogues and prayer houses, and Jews made up about 30% of the population.
Brother Montmartre
former artisan district of Vilnius Užupis was chosen by the artists at the end of the XX century it was declared a Republic of Užupis.This region is considered to be the twin brother of the Montmartre district in Paris.
