In 2009, Vilnius, as the first of the new cities of the EU Member States, will become the European Capital of Culture. It will share this honor with the Austrian city of Linz.

During 17th and 18th centuries city experienced numerous setbacks: was occupied and looted by foreign forces, an outbreak of bubonic plague in 1710 killed 35,000 residents, and several devastating fires nearly destroyed the city. In April 1795, Vilnius was annexed by Russian Empire. Vilnius University was closed in 1831 and Russian repressions halted the further development of the city.

In early 20st century Vilnius changed hand several time. On February 20, 1922 the city and its surroundings were annexed bu Poland. Under Polish rule, Vilnius enjoyed a period of revival - the University was reopened and city's infrastructure improved significantly.

During World War II the city and the whole country was seized by Soviet Union, then by Germans, then back by Soviets and against its will tincorporated into the Soviet Union. 40,000 of the city's inhabitants were sent to labor camps in the far eastern areas of the Soviet Union. In July 1944 Vilnius became the capital of the Lithuanian SSR. Although the city itself survived, World War II events and Russian occupation altered Vilnius irrevocably.

On March 11, 1990 Lithuania announced its secession from the Soviet Union and Vilnius became the capital of the Republic of Lithuania.

The city is known for its catacombs, looming up underneath the churches and monasteries of Vilnius, even beneath the Town Hall. The Jacobins` Church of the Holy Spirit holds an underground vault with mummified human remains of people dead a long time ago.