Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, on the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest medieval centres in Eastern Europe, mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches with the bohemian Užupis district and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Vilnius.
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1
First written mention
Grand Duke Gediminas writes letters to European cities naming Vilnius as his capital.
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2
Christianisation and city rights
Lithuania accepts Catholic Christianity and Vilnius receives Magdeburg city rights.
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3
Union of Lublin
The Grand Duchy and Poland form the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
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4
Founding of Vilnius University
Jesuits open the academy, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe.
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5
Third Partition
The Russian Empire annexes Vilnius, beginning more than a century of imperial rule.
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6
Napoleon in Vilnius
The French army passes through the city on the way to and from Moscow.
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7
German occupation
German forces take the city during the First World War.
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8
Polish control
Polish troops seize Vilnius (Wilno) and hold it until 1939.
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9
Return to Lithuania
The Soviet Union transfers Vilnius to Lithuania, which loses independence in 1940.
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10
Holocaust and the Vilna Ghetto
Most of Vilnius's Jewish community, known as the Jerusalem of the North, is murdered.
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11
Soviet reoccupation
The Red Army takes the city and Lithuania becomes a Soviet republic.
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12
Independence restored
Lithuania declares the restoration of independence after the Singing Revolution.
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13
Bloody Sunday
Fourteen civilians are killed at the Vilnius TV Tower as Soviet troops attack.
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14
UNESCO listing
The Vilnius Historic Centre is inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
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15
EU and NATO
Lithuania joins both organisations.
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16
Euro adoption
Lithuania adopts the euro.
Historical sites
Places where Vilnius's past comes alive.
Gediminas Tower and Upper Castle
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: About €8 (~$9.20)
Vilnius Cathedral
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: Free; crypt about €3-5 (~$3.45-5.75)
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: €15 (~$17.25) for all routes
Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: See muziejus.vu.lt
Gate of Dawn
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: Free
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
Where: Lukiškės, Vilnius
Admission: €6 (~$6.90)
Church of St. Anne
Where: Vilnius Old Town
Admission: Free
Vilnius TV Tower
Where: Karoliniškės, Vilnius
Admission: €16 (~$18.40)