Key dates in the history of Vilnius

Vilnius chosen by Gediminas to be the capital of Lithuania.

Poland and Lithuania unite to become the largest state in Europe.
Vilnius was famous for its Polish culture and Jewish learning.

Incorporated into the Russian Empire.

Vilnius occupied by German forces.

After the retreat of the Germans, Vilnius was occupied successively by the Lithuanians, the Bolsheviks and the Poles.

Soviet Russia occupied the Polish-held city and transferred it to independent Lithuania.

Soviet Russia captured the city. 1940 Vilnius became the capital of the new Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR).

During the second World War it was occupied by German forces; it suffered heavy damage and the Jewish population was virtually exterminated.

Vilnius became the capital of the newly independent Lithuania, the fastest growing economy in Europe.

Vilnius becomes European City of Culture.