The history of Vilnius dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. It was a strategic site for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, as it was located on the crossroads of major trade routes. Vilnius quickly grew in importance, becoming the capital of the Grand Duchy in 1323 and a major center of trade and culture.
During the 16th century, Vilnius was heavily influenced by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which was formed in 1569. Under the Commonwealth, Vilnius became an important cultural center, home to the first public school in the region and the first university in the Baltic region. It also became a major center for the arts, with many famous painters, sculptors, and writers coming to the city to create their works.
In the 18th century, Vilnius was annexed by the Russian Empire and went through a period of great change. During this time, the city was heavily influenced by Russian culture and architecture, and many of the city's famous landmarks were built during this period.
In 1918, Lithuania declared its independence from the Russian Empire and Vilnius became the capital of the newly independent state. The city experienced a period of great growth and development during this time, with many of the city's famous landmarks being built, including the Gediminas Castle and the Vilnius Cathedral.
During World War II, Vilnius was occupied by Nazi Germany and then by the Soviet Union. After the war, the city became part of the Soviet Union and went through a period of Sovietization. However, in 1991, Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union and Vilnius once again became the capital of an independent state.
Today, Vilnius is a vibrant and modern city, with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to many museums and galleries, as well as a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to explore its rich history and culture.