OUR TRIP TO VILNIUS Comenius Project 24 september 2014

INTRODUCTION Vilnius is the capital and the most populous city in Lithuania. It is situated in south-eastern Lithuania, at the confluence of the rivers Neris and Vilnele. Today the city is a big industrial center and an important commercial node.

THE COAT of arms OF VILNIUS The coat of arms of Vilnius depicts St. Christopher in the act of crossing the river on his shoulders holding an infant Jesus.

HISTORY Vilnius, the largest medieval city in the north Europe, has experienced extreme stages of development and great prosperity and periods of decline and neglect. During the seventeenth century, in particular, Vilnius became one of the largest and most important cities of Eastern Europe and became an important center of Jewish culture in the world, earning the nickname of Little Jerusalem. After the Second World War, at the end of Soviet domination, together with Vilnius Lithuania gained independence in 1991. From this moment onwards, the city and the country in general have operated a cultural approach to Western Europe. ù

languages The official language is Lithuanian but even Russian, Polish, English and, especially in the coastal zone, German are spoken.

religions Lithuania is predominantly Catholic (80%), but it also has minority of atheists, agnostics, Orthodox and Protestants. The largest and most famous Lithuanian Jewish community was almost entirely exterminated by the Nazis.

festivity The city of Vilnius is busy and hectic, there is a long calendar of events that take place at different times of the year. Christmas time lasts longer than a month, from November 30 to January 7, with concerts, theater performances and many stalls in the main squares of the old town.

Animation Festival Theatre is a theatrical event that takes place in May and lasts a week Music Festival: the music is the star of this festival which takes place in July. During the event dances, street theater, dress parades and craft fairs are performed..

Vilnius Book Fair: in February Vilnius becomes the stage for the biggest book fair in the Baltics, which attracts over 55 thousand people each year. Carneval: fashion shows, theme parties, battle of snowballs and more characterize the Carnival of Vilnius.

HISTORIC CENTER Vilnius is known for its Old Town of beautiful architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a lot of churches of artistic merit, characterized by a baroque style, like the Cathedral of Sts Stanislaus and Vladislaus.

STUDY OF RADIO AND TELEVISION During our trip in Vilnius we had the chance to visit the offices of the national Lithuanian radio and television. It was really interesting!!!!!

GEDIMINAS TOWER Gediminas Tower is one of the symbols of Vilnius, it is a tower dedicated to the Grand Duke Gediminas considered the founder of the city. From the top of this building we enjoyed a beautiful panoramic view of the entire historical center of the city!

AMBER We also went shopping in amazing amber shops!

Rebecca V. Italy