The University of Vilnius was founded by the Jesuits in 1579 in the centre of the Old Town close to the Bishops palace. The Lithuanian baroque is the main style of this beautiful ensemble whose 6 of 13 courtyards are represented here. The magnificent Grand Courtyard combines three styles: Renaissance mannerism, Baroque and Classicism. The baroque Observatory Courtyard shows the signs of the Zodiac and Latin inscriptions. The Astronomical Observatory was founded by Elzbieta Puzynowa in 1753 and was the fourth Observatory in Europe.
Monday, 11 July 2016
general information
Republic
Capital: Vilnius
Surface area: 65.300 km2
Population: 3,5 millions
Population/km2: 54
Member of the EU since 2004
National day: 16 February
National anthem: Tautiska Giesme
- In the 17th century, Vilnius was considered by Jews to be the Jerusalem of the West. During this period, Vilnius harmoniously accommodates several religions.
- Lithuania is one of the world's leading producers of linen.
- Many Lithuanian wooden and forged iron crosses (sacred art) are recognised by UNESCO as world heritage artefacts.
- Lithuania is the only one of the three Baltic countries (Estonia and Latvia) in which 98% of the Russian speaking residents have been naturalised.
- Basketball is Lithuania's national sport (European champion in 2003).
- The geographical centre of Europe is about 25km north of Vilnius.
- Lithuanian is an ancient language still very similar to Sanskrit.
- At the time of the retirement of Russia of Napoleon, 80 000 died there and were buried there.
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