Vilnius, Capital city in Lithuania
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, built on both banks of a river that runs through the center and meets a smaller stream near the edge of the old quarter. The overall urban area stretches across hills and flat land, with many parks and wooded zones inside city limits.
Duke Gediminas founded the city in the early 14th century and made it the official seat of government by writing letters to trading cities across Europe. That call brought craftsmen and merchants from many countries who settled in different districts inside the walls.
Students live near cafés and street markets in the center, while locals visit churches regularly and walk through the pedestrian zone on weekdays. Cultural life shows itself in evening concerts held in small courtyards and through neighborhood festivals in areas around the old quarter.
Buses and trolleybuses connect residential areas to the business center and airport, with public transport stopping at several major hubs around the old quarter. Most landmarks inside the historic center are reachable on foot because streets are friendly to pedestrians.
The Republic of Užupis lies directly within city borders beyond a small river and has its own symbolic constitution displayed on walls in dozens of languages. This district declared itself independent as a playful gesture and resembles similar artist communities in other European cities.
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