"Vilnius - A Lithuanian City" a Vilnius Travel Page by mrdarius

Vilnius is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated and undervisited cities in Europe. Few people know that at one point, Lithuania spanned from the Baltic to the Black Seas and as far east as the city gates of Moscow. Vilnius was even once known as the Northern Jerusalem due to its large concentration of Jewsih people.

Despite this fact, Lithuanianl lands have been laid to waste by the Russians, Swedish, French (Napoleon), Nazi and Soviet invaders and occupiers. Lithuanian culture and language have survived Tsarist occupation, the illegal 1920 Polish breach of the Suvalkija agreement in taking Vilnius, and Soviet attempts to delete it from history. As a result, many aspects of Lithuanian life from the food to the architecture have been influenced by a wide range of cultures from Karaite to Swedish.

Nowadays, Vilinius is a quickly growing city with one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. With every consecutive trip, Vilnius has changed dramatically. For example, during my second visit to Vilnius, I noticed how there were more shoe stores and more people had learned how to smile at strangers in public. The last time I came, a new bridge was opened up and renovation of Gediminas prosp. (the main street) was completed in commemoration of the 750th anniversary of the crowning of Lithuania's only king (Mindaugas).

This Lithuanian city of Vilnius does have influences from many other cultures, but it is finally in the hands of its ancient and correct owners.

So, while Vilnius is a thoroughly modern, evolving city, architecture from Soviet, renaissance and pagan eras combines to give the city an eclectic flavor. Throw in a Frank Zappa bust and a 'breakaway republic' within Vilnius (Uzupis), and you approach "wacky."

Vilnius is in good hands, and Conde Nast recently voted it one of the top ten cities in the world to visit.

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Vilnius University

If you do plan on visiting Vilnius, make sure to pick up a Vilnius in Your Pocket (you can still find them at the kiosk at the airport). While the price has doubled to 8lt along with the number of ads for strip clubs, it remains the most comprehensive, honest guide to Vilnius. It's hard to believe, but it actually used to be even funnier .

You should visit Vilnius, the capital of a great country with an interesting history, great nightlife, and awesome beer.