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Vilnius is the capital city of Lithuania. Formerly known as Vilno.
Vilnius is located in the far south-east corner of modern Lithuania. This non-central location can be attributed to the changing shape of the nation through the past centuries; Vilnius was once not only culturally, but geographically the center of Lithuania.
Although Vilnius was likely already inhabited in some form, the city was officially founded by Gediminas, grand Duke since 1316, who began a restoration with the aid of German colonists. Vilnius and other cities were founded with city statutes customary in Germany (Magdeburg Rights).
Today, Vilnius is a modern, cosmopolitan city reminiscent of Copenhagen or Paris. Restaurants, hotels and museums have sprouted since Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.