Page 211 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

A POR TR AIT OF LITHU ANIA  209

A PORTRAIT OF

LITHUANIA

The largest of the three Baltic States and one of the hidden jewels of Europe,
Lithuania takes pride in its relatively secluded landscape of clean lakes, ancient
forests and coastal dunes. The capital, Vilnius, which has a UNESCO-protected
Old Town, combines the romance of its breathtaking Baroque architecture with
the modern trappings of 21st-century Europe.
Lithuania successfully repelled Germanic teeming with wildlife. Excellent roads
inva ders as early as 1410 at the Battle of wind through attrac tive villages and
Grünwald. In the subsequent centuries, towns that are remarkably tranquil. A
how ever, the country experi enced a resurgence in the popularity of folk
tumultuous series of invasions. Most culture is colouring every corner of the
recently, the two world wars and the country, with wooden crosses, altars
massacre of one of Europe’s largest and shrines being crafted and folk
Jewish communities were followed by song and dance traditions being
the neglect of the Soviet era. explored. An explosion of printed and
Since its independence in 1991, electronic materials in Lithuanian, a
Lithuania has strived to restore its language related to Sanskrit, has taken
national identity. Vilnius possesses one place since the Singing Revolution
of Europe’s finest Old Towns, with (1987–90). At the same time, Lithuania
several Baroque master pieces. Across is forging a positive political and
the country, areas of serene natural cultural role for itself in the expanded
beauty have become protected reserves European Union.

A sweeping view of Parnidis Dune, or the Great Dune, in the Curonian Spit National Park
Façade of Rokiškis Manor House, embellished with Neo-Baroque details

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