In 1994, the primary motive for the inscription of Vilnius Historic Centre on the UNESCO World Heritage List said: “The political centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 13th through the 18th century, Vilnius had a considerable influence on the cultural and architectural development of the Eastern Europe. Despite invasions and partial destruction, it has preserved impressive complexes of gothic, renaissance, baroque, and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural settings”.
Vilnius, the name of the capital of Lithuania, was first mentioned in 1323 in the letter of Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. In his letter, Gediminas was inviting European merchants and craftsmen to come and settle and offering them every support. Since then Vilnius has been famous for its tolerance towards different nations and religions. The names of the Old Town streets (German, Jewish, Tartar, and Russian streets) and the temples of as many as nine religions exhibit the multinational composition of the population.
Despite all historic adversities, Vilnius still enjoys the old architecture that was built in the medieval heyday. The ensembles of Vilnius churches and palaces reflect all styles of architecture, from late gothic to classicism, whereas baroque put the last touches to the formation of the unique style of the town. Vilnius, the most northern capital of the Central and Eastern Europe, has adopted the old styles of the South and West European architecture and prides itself on its old town known as one of the largest (approximately 360 ha, more than 1500 buildings) and the most beautiful. The capital of Lithuania in the 14th through the 17th centuries and in particular Vilnius University established in 1579 represented a striking centre of western culture and education located furthest away in the East of Europe and propagating the western culture in the East.
Gediminas Castle overlooking the city and the Cathedral located at the foot of the hill represent the main landmarks of Vilnius. The olden rulers of the country are buried in the vaults of Vilnius Cathedral, which has been rebuilt several times. A monument to Gediminas, the reputed founder of Vilnius, is erected in the Cathedral Square. The tracery brick facade of the Church of St. Ann, a masterpiece of the late flamboyant gothic style, has no equal in the world. It is one of the most beautiful buildings of such kind in the world. Other masterpieces of baroque include the Church of St. Peter and Paul and the Church of St. Johns.
Located on the confluence of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the capital of Lithuania is one of the greenest capitals in the world. It is overflowed with numerous parks and groves, squares and lawns. The hills surrounding the historic centre of Vilnius offer a perfect site for enjoying the views or entertaining, where the visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Old Town of Vilnius.
The Old Town of Vilnius, a reflection of the town glory and splendour, and the fast growing Vilnius, the leader among the Baltic capitals, is among the top twenty towns of the world to be visited because of its beauty.
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