Vilnius is not only the largest town of Lithuania but it is the capital of the republic too.
Vilnius was first mentioned as the capital in 1323, in the letters of the Grand Duke Gediminas to the Roman Pope. An old legend tells us that Grand Duke Gediminas got tired after hunting fell asleep and had a dream. The Iron Wolf was standing on the hill and howling loudly. In the morning Gediminas asked the senior pagan priest what the dream meant and the priest said: “You will build a city at the place where the wolf was howling and the fame of the city will spread as the howling of the wolf”.
The climate in Vilnius is affected by the Baltic Sea, with contrasting hot summers and frosty winters. Winter, by contrast, is bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F) and the rivers often freezing over. Summers can be hot with temperatures sometimes climbing over 30°C (86°F) during the day, but the July average is around 17°C (62.6°F). Rainy days are possible all year round; the annual rainfall is 800 mm.
Vilnius is the major economic centre of Lithuania and one of the largest financial centres of the Baltic States. Vilnius produces machine tools, agricultural machinery, electrical and electronic apparatus, textiles, clothing, and foodstuffs.
There is a convenient public transport system in Vilnius consisting of busses, trolley-busses and minibuses, but there is no subway or tram in Vilnius. Buses are operating all over the town at fairly reasonable prices and are easy to catch. The buses can be very crowded during the morning and evening rush hours. Minicabs are privately-operated mini-buses serving as taxis; they offer a faster and more comfortable alternative to traditional public transportation. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or found at ranks at strategic spots in the old town. The traffic is usually very heavy in Vilnius and it's often not easy to find a space for parking on the street.
The education system in Lithuania covers: preschool, general secondary, vocational, junior college, higher and adult education. These types of education are offered at preschool education establishments, schools of general education, institutions, and enterprises of vocational education, junior colleges, higher education institutions and institutions of complementary and non-formal education. Vilnius University is the oldest and largest Lithuanian higher education institution. Since its establishment in the 16th century as integral part of European science and culture it has embodied the concept of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.
Vilnius achieved the title European Capital of Culture in 2009. It combines a wide variety of all European architectural styles, which makes the town extremely attractive and cozy. In 1994, for its unique old town Vilnius was included into the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. Everything in Vilnius, museums, houses, blocks, churches, squares, streets, mirrors its ancient splendour. As a place of culture Vilnius has really a lot to offer. Its museums, some of which housed in former noble residences, exhibit not only national art, but works from other countries too.
Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city, and has served as defence bastion, prison, and now major tourist attraction. Dating to the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in 1419 by Grand Duke Vytautas following the great fire of Vilnius. During the 1655 - 1661 Russian occupation the castle towers and defensive walls were completely ruined and only in 1930 was any attempt made to restore the castle. Now the castle houses the museum of the history of Lithuania. It was founded in 1960 and is located in the best-preserved western tower of the Upper Castle.
Near the Gediminas Castle in the Old City stands a hill topped with a trio of crosses. Legend has it that seven Franciscan missionaries were crucified where the Three Crosses stand. Or that they were tied to crosses by pagans declaring, "Swim with your poles which you order us to worship!" and thrown into the river. History confirms that crosses have stood here at least since the 17th century. The crosses were destroyed by the Soviet regime, but recreated in 1989 to mark Lithuanian independence as a symbol of faith and national identity.
Every year various cultural events for the public are held among which the most famous are Vilnius Days in September, Kaziukas fair in early March, dance and drama festivals, other different fairs and numerous seasonal street events are also quite frequent. Several festivities and happenings are taking place here every year, a lot of them quite unique.
