The Balts, an Indo-European ethnic group, started settling down in the present territory of Lithuania in the seventh century B.C. The formation of the Lithuanian State began in the 13th century, with the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by the first King of Lithuania, Mindaugas, crowned in 1253. In 1323, Vilnius, as the capital city, was mentioned for the first time in the official correspondence of Grand Duke Gediminas. One of the consequences of the Krėva Treaty signed by Lithuania and Poland in 1385 was Lithuania’s conversion to Catholicism. Orienting the country towards the West, it had a positive influence on economic and cultural development. During the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas, from 1392 to 1430, Lithuania became one of the largest states in Europe, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Under the Lublin Union of 1569, Lithuania and Poland were merged into a Commonwealth that lasted until 1795. On 16th February 1918, the Lithuania Council proclaimed the Independent Republic of Lithuania. In 1921, Lithuania was admitted to the League of Nations. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Russia and remained incorporated in the Soviet Union until 1990. On 11th March 1990, Lithuania declared the reestablishment of its independence. On 11th December 1999, Lithuania was invited to start negotiation for European Union Membership. On 29th March 2004 our country became a member of NATO. On 1st May 2004 Lithuania joined European Union.
Kaunas
Kaunas is an important industrial and cultural city with a population of over 360 thousands. Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania, first mentioned in an old manuscript of 1361. Situated in the valley of the confluence of the two longest rivers of Lithuania, the Nemunas and the Neris, the town itself became an example of a confluence of people and cultures, an attractive blend of architecture and nature. The Old Town is a concentration of the most important architectural monuments, such as the 13th century castle and the Town Hall, called the White Swan for its charming architecture. The Town Hall square, the most important architectural accent of the old town, is reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Kaunas is crossed by two very important highways. The Via Baltica, when constructed, will connect Helsinki with Central and Southern Europe. The other highway connects the country’s capital, Vilnius, with the Klaipeda seaport.
For further information about Lithuania and Kaunas, please refer to the Internet: www.kaunas.lt, www.tourism.lt, www.inyourpocket.com.
