Vilnius, the modern-day capital of Lithuania, is in the southeast part of the country. Founded in the 14th century by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas, it joined the European Union in 2004. A cosmopolitan city, Vilnius enjoys a lively student population, skyscrapers and a busy nightlife. A walk down the main street, Gediminas Avenue, reveals plenty of shopping and dining venues.
A top Vilnius attraction is medieval Old Town, one of Europe’s largest historical centers. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its well-preserved buildings offer some of the continent’s greatest architectural styles. Cobblestone streets lead to the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral, the Gothic Church of St. Anne, the Baroque St. Casimir Church and the Renaissance Church of St. Michael.