The capital and largest city of Lithuania, Vilnius has survived many foreign invasions. The city lies near the western edge of the country, where the Neris and Vilnia rivers meet. With its historic architecture and many cultural, musical, and theater festivals, Vilnius is a vibrant city with a rich history.

Places of interest

Vilnius has many historic buildings and churches. The 14th-century tower of Gediminas Castle on Castle Hill is an important landmark in the Old Town of the city. The Old Town has many narrow, winding streets that climb the hills surrounding the rivers. One of the most famous churches in Vilnius is the 16th-century Church of Saint Anne. Cathedral Square is the location of a clock tower and Vilnius Cathedral, which was built in the 15th century and restored many times.

Vilnius is the educational and cultural center of Lithuania. Vilnius University, founded in 1579, is located there. Vilnius is also home to major theaters and museums, including the Lithuanian State Museum. Opened just after Lithuania's independence in 1991, the museum includes exhibits about the country's experiences as part of the Soviet Union. There is an art gallery in the 18th-century town hall. The Lithuanian State Jewish Museum has displays about the history of the Jewish community in Vilnius.

Economy

Like many Eastern European cities, manufacturing is important to the economy of Vilnius. However, the city's economy is becoming less dependent on manufacturing as it grows into other economic areas. For example, Vilnius is the financial center of Lithuania. Many banks are located there, as is Lithuania's National Stock Exchange. Such service industries as telecommunications, tourism, education, and health care employ many people in Vilnius as well.

History

Vilnius dates back to the early 12th century. In the 14th century, the city was protected by a moat, walls, and towers. Despite this, it was often attacked by invaders. During the 15th century, Vilnius expanded, the cathedral and castles were built, and the city suffered from more attacks by invaders. Beginning in the early 16th century, Vilnius thrived in trade and small business and became known for its outstanding colleges and universities. A prominent Jewish community gathered there, and for many years the city was the center of Eastern European Jewish culture.

Throughout its long history, Vilnius suffered many hardships. It was occupied at various times by the Russians, Swedes, and French, and it suffered from many fires and plagues. In the 20th century, Vilnius continued to be conquered by different groups. From 1920 to 1939 it was included in Poland. The Soviet Union captured it and returned it to Lithuania. However, the Soviets then took control of all of Lithuania. During much of World War II (1939–45), the city was occupied by the Germans and suffered heavy damage. The Germans killed most of the Jewish residents of Vilnius as part of the Holocaust, which was Nazi Germany's effort to kill all of the Jews under its control. Between 1941 and 1945, the city's Jewish population dropped from about 80,000 to 6,000.

After World War II ended, Lithuania fell back into the hands of the Soviet Union. Many of the Poles living in Vilnius left the city after the war, while Lithuanians and Russians moved there. In the 1980s, Lithuanians in Vilnius began to push for independence from the Soviet Union. Finally, in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Vilnius became the capital of an independent Lithuania. In 1994 Vilnius' Old Town became a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site. Population (2001 estimate), 576,400.