Vilnius The Iron Wolf (Gelezinis vilkas), Grand Duke Gediminas’ (1316-1341) dream about a strong capital from 1323, grew up and became one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, admired by many nations. Since then, the city has suffered many wars, but never was it to suffer as much as during the days of Communism, until the beginning of the 1990’s. After the independence the city is eagerly being restored, and is once more appearing as the beauty it once was. There is a lot for the tourist to see. A summer evening in Vilnius is just as enjoyable as summer evenings in other culture cities. Part I: City and City Districts Part II: Street Life and Institutions Part III: The Churches   On the Town Vilnius for Tourists: Take a walk around town and you will see that Vilnius is just as much of a tourist city as any other old culture city in Europe. The Old Town is much older than many other, and the houses have been meritoriously restored.   The University Vilnius University is the pride of the city and a symbol of free thought. Occupying dictators had it closed and the teachers deported several times during history, but it has always reopened and continued its duty. The University Library celebrated its 400:th anniversary in 1970, and the University in 1979.   The Churches Before Communism Vilnius had 44 churches, built in all styles, renaissance, baroque, orthodox and various medieval varieties, and I have seen at least all the restored Catholic ones, and a few more. Here are the most beautiful ones.   The Arts Windows with stained glass can be found everywhere, in ordinary apartment houses too. It is a common form of handicraft in Lithuania. Here you will also find strange tubes and other artefacts.