Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 (2010). The city is situated in southeastern Lithuania at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris Rivers. Lying close to Vilnius is a site some claim to be the Geographical Centre of Europe.

The city's recorded history dates back to 1323 when it was first mentioned in official correspondence. Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture. There are 65 churches in Vilnius. Vilnius Old Town, the historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe (3.6 km²). The nearly 1500 buildings in the old town were built over several centuries, creating a blend of many different architectural styles. Owing to its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.