Political centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from the 13th to the end of the 18th century, Vilnius has had a profound influence on the cultural and architectural development of much of eastern Europe. Despite invasions and partial destruction, it has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural setting.
Vilnius is an outstanding example of a medieval foundation which exercised a profound influence on architectural and cultural developments in a wide area of Eastern Europe over several centuries.
History:
During the Soviet era, Vilnius was given the unique status of a city, that was not controlled by local governments, but was responsible directly to the central government of the Lithuanian SSR. Officially, it remained a part of the Vilnius district.
After independence the system of districts and republican administered cities was reorganized into that of municipalities. Therefore the territory that formerly included Vilnius, became the Vilnius city municipality, while the remaining areas of Vilnius district became Vilnius district municipality. Although whole area is considered Vilnius , it has some areas that are actually suburbs, separated from the city by forests and such.
Under the municipality reform of 2000, the town of Grigiškės was separated from the Trakai district municipality, and made part of the Vilnius city municipality. It became an elderate,(a unique Lithuanian designation), of this municipality. However, Grigiškės is not considered part of Vilnius, only of the municipality; that is because joining it with Vilnius, would require renaming many streets in both cities, and it would be too costly at this time.
The government of Vilnius city municipality also would like that the town of Lentvaris, currently part of Trakai district municipality, would be attached to the Vilnius city municipality (which is allegedly supported by people of Lentvaris, according to surveys done by Vilnius city municipality). This is opposed by the government of Trakai district municipality.
What to see:
*Old Town,
*Gediminas Castle
*Three Crosses Hill,
*Vilnius Cathedral,
*Museum of Genocide Victims aka KGB Museum ,
*Frank Zappa Statue ,
*St. Peter's and Paul's Church
Where to stay?
Hotel in Vilnius City Center, two-star hotel Vilnius Europolis from Hotel Vilnius Europolis on Vimeo.
Official Website: http://www.vilnius.com/cmarter.asp?doc=728
Vilnius:
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