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Vilnius, the capital of
Lithuania, is located on the Neris River. With a population
of 583,400 (1997), the city is an important cultural and
industrial center, accounting for about one-fourth of the
manufacturing output of Lithuania. The principal products
are precision instruments and electrical equipment. Vilnius
has the ruins of a 14th-century castle and buildings in a
variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to
Baroque. It is the seat of the Lithuanian Academy of
Sciences, it has a University, founded in 1579.
Source: Groiler's Encyclopedia |
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The Citys History |
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The
capital was first mentioned in the written
sources of the 12th century. And in 1323
Vilnius was named the city. Throughout a
couple of centuries it became a constantly
growing and developing city because in 1579
the university was established here. It was
the first university of this type in the
Grand Duchy of Lithuania but it soon
developed into an important scientific and
cultural centre of Europe. Of course,
political, economic and social life was also
in full swing here. This is proved by the
statutes issued in the 16th century. By the
way, the last of them was in force until the
19th century.
Just like all medieval
towns, Vilnius was developing around the
Town Hall. The central Pilies Street linked
the governors palace and the Town Hall.
Other streets, winding like rivulets in the
spring, made their way between the palaces
of feudal lords and landlords, churches,
shops and craftsmen workrooms. Narrow,
curved streets and small cosy courtyards
developed to the radial layout of the
medieval Vilnius.
Rapidly developing Vilnius was open for
foreigners coming both from the east and the
west. Because of that, strong communities of
Poles, Russians, Jews, Germans, Karaimes,
etc. began to form here. Each of them made
their contribution to the formation of the
city: at that time crafts, trade and science
were prospering in Vilnius. The city was
developing rapidly and at the beginning of
the 19th century it was the third largest
town in the region of Eastern Europe. Only
Moscow and St. Petersburg were larger.
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Whoever you are a
businessman who has arrived in Vilnius to sign an agreement, a tourist
on vacation or an experienced traveller looking for new adventures
several days stay in Vilnius will be sufficient to make you fall in love
with this city. It is worth staying in Vilnius longer. However, even if
you came only for a weekend, the city will leave a lasting impression on
you. Theatre or opera goers, lovers of all-night parties or street
carnivals, people who are interested in architecture or those who just
like to relax and commune with nature will find something close to their
heart in this city. A walk around the Old Town, which was declared a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, is an unforgettable experience
and really worth taking.
Vilnius, as the capital
of Lithuania, is the home of the President, the Seimas, the Government
and the Supreme Court. Diplomatic missions, educational, cultural,
financial, research, and health care institutions are based there.
It is also the largest city of the country. According to the 2001
census, the population of Vilnius is approximately 580,000 people, which
accounts for 17 per cent of the total population of the country.
Vilnius is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds. Ethnic
Lithuanians - 57.8%, Poles - 18.7%, Russians - 14%, Belarusians - 4%,
Jews - 0.5%, and representatives of other ethnic backgrounds account for
the remaining 5%.
Vilnius occupies an area of about 400 square kilometres of which 20.2%
approximately is developed and the remainder is green belt (43.9%
approx.) and water (2.1% approx.). The historical centre of Vilnius, the
Old Town, (Senamiestis) is one of the largest old town centres in
Eastern Europe (covering almost 360 hectares).
The district of Vilnius includes Vilnius, Elektrėnai, Šalčininkai,
Širvintos, Švenčionys, Trakai and Ukmergė regions. The geographical
centre of Europe, Trakai, the old capital of Lithuania and the legendary
capital of Kernavė are located in the Vilnius district.
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