Following the history….

If you were an attentive student in high school you would remember two important dates in polish history. Those are 1569 and 1791. The first one reefers to The Union of Lublin and the second one refers to the Reciprocal Guarantee of two Nations adopted by the Great Sejm (Sejm Wielki in Polish). This two historical events leaded to create a single state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth which replaced the personal union between this two countries. That is why some places in Lithuania have a special sentimental meaning for our Polish nation.

Firstly, I think that everybody knows the words of this famous invocation:

Lithuania, my country! You are as good health:

How much one should prize you, he only can tell

Who has lost you. Your beauty and splendor I view

And describe here today, for I long after you [...]

Yes, this words comes from the national epic “Pan Tadeusz” written by Adam Mickiewicz. Maybe you won’t believe but the first edition of his book - “Ballads and romances” - was printed in 1822 in Vilnius. Today we can also find there a museum dedicated to our poet.

Vilnius is the only one capital In Europe which is situated in the middle of two historical civilisations – Latin and Byzantine. This is the reason why this beautiful city is known of its nationality and religious tolerance. 

We can also find there the biggest Old Town, which extends on the surface of 360 hectares! From 1994 The Vilnius Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its universal value and originality. What is also important, the capital of Lithuania was called the European capital in 2009.

I put below the video which will help you to discover the most important places in this beautiful Old Town and its history! Have a nice trip! :)