Vilnius

About

Centered around a 13th century castle, Vilnius was named the capital of the region less than a century after its founding. The city flourished until the 17th century, first thanks to trade, and then thanks to its university. Wars, plagues, and brutal leadership rocked the city until the 1990s. Today, the historic city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its beautiful architecture, which organically combines Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical styles. Walking the picturesque streets, visitors can see the original 16th century Gate of Dawn, before heading to the opulent 17th century Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, filled with about 2,000 stucco figures. Vilnius’ struggles are also well documented in the historic Jewish quarter, and the Museum of Genocide Victims, which remembers the Jews by the Nazis, as well as the brutal treatment by the Soviets during their occupation.