Vilnius is a city whose character is hard to define, a character which has been formed by its precarious position, poised between the East and the West. After emerging in the 14th century as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, it enjoyed over two centuries of remarkable stability, followed by a long period of invasions and subordination by foreign powers. Its complicated history makes it a city surprises. This guidebook aims to fill in some of the historical background ant to suggest some places to visit, without taking away from visitors the pleasure of discovering the city for themselves.