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Jan 26, 2025

Vilnius: A legendary city at the crossroads of time

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania with a rich, centuries-old history, located in the picturesque valley of the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its history dates back to ancient times, long before the city was officially founded.

Legendary birth of the city

The first settlements on the territory of modern Vilnius date back to the Mesolithic era, around the 5th century B.C.[4] The city is surrounded by fascinating legends, the most famous of which is related to Grand Duke Gedimin.

According to legend, the prince stopped in the valley of the Holy Horn (Shvyantaragisa) while hunting. At night he dreamed of a huge iron wolf that howled like a hundred wolves. The priest Lizdeika interpreted the dream as an omen: a great city would be founded on this place, which would become the capital of the Lithuanian lands and become famous throughout the world.

Historical milestones

Establishment of the capital

In 1323 Vilnius was first mentioned in written sources as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Key events in the city’s history:

  • 1387: Obtaining Magdeburg right
  • 1503-1522: Construction of the city wall with nine gates and three towers.
  • 1544: The city flourished under King Sigismund the Old.
  • 1579: Founding of the Academy of the Society of Jesus (future University of Vilna)

Difficult Periods

The city endured many challenges, including:
- Devastating fires in 1610, 1737, 1748, 1749
- The devastating Russo-Polish War of 1654-1667, when up to 25,000 inhabitants were killed.

Cultural heritage

Vilnius is a unique university city, the first scientific and cultural center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here in 1397 the first school in the territory of modern Lithuania was founded, and in 1522 Francysk Skorina published the first printed books.

The city retains its unique spirit, where every street breathes history and legends intertwine with reality. Vilnius is not just a capital city, it is a living museum that tells the fascinating story of the Lithuanian people.

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