Lithuania

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, known for its Baroque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its role as the political and cultural heart of the country since the days of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. A helpful memory tip: think “V for Vilnius, V for Very old and Very important,” and “Vytis,” the knight on Lithuania’s coat of arms, rides from Vilnius. Kaunas, while a major city, was only the temporary capital between World Wars when Vilnius was under Polish control. Klaipėda is the main Baltic Sea port, and Šiauliai is known for the Hill of Crosses—distinct roles that set them apart from the true capital, Vilnius.