Vilnius  - The year 2009 is a very special one for Lithuania and the capital Vilnius for a number of reasons. First of all, the largest of the Baltic states celebrates its millennium anniversary since the name Lithuania was first mentioned in the monastic annals Annales Quedlinburgensis (or Annals of Quedlinburg) in 1009.

The New Year also marks the first occasion that a metropolis in a former communist-ruled republic has been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture. Both the city and the country are keen to show themselves as authentic, hospitable destinations and look forward to a sizeable influx of visitors.

"It is important to remind Europe and the world of our heritage and it is equally vital to show how we live today in order that Europeans interested in Lithuania can discover just how close to them we are," said President Valdas Adamkus.

Lithuania has always been a European country, even if it did vanish from sight for nearly 50 years as a Soviet Bloc territory.

Fortunately the neglect of the architecture and infrastructure of the old quarter of Vilnius by the Soviet occupiers has been largely made good.

And since 1994, this city of many epochs has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List because it "has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural setting."

Many of the buildings adapted by the communist government for other purposes, such as the Catholic churches, are once again used as houses of worship. Fine examples of Lithuanian Gothic are the ensemble of St Anne's Church and Bernadine Monastery located next to each other. A total of 33 types of red brick were used in St. Anne's Church which dates back to the late 15th century and remains almost unchanged.

The more than 30 churches in central Vilnius, mainly Catholic along with Russian Orthodox examples and the sole remaining synagogue, contribute greatly to the unique character of this city of 544,000 people.

Vilnius has also been renowned for the beauty of its Baroque architecture since the 17th century when artists from Italy, southern Germany and what was then the Austrian-Habsburg Empire settled there and worked alongside local builders.

The light and elegant houses in the town blend in well with graceful buildings from the Gothic era to create a symphony of architectural styles crowned with pearls of Classicism such the outstanding town hall and the white cathedral.

Meanwhile, one of the world's most famous light artists, Gert Hof of Germany, is due to light up the wintry skies over Vilnius with a spectacular show scheduled for the eve of
2009. It is one of 120 projects encompassing 900 events which are being staged to mark the city's role as a leading cultural centre.

The aim is to celebrate the dynamism of this eastern European metropolis and to lay the foundation for a range of future cultural and musical events to be held on an annual basis. Among the attractions are art and theatre programmes, a street music festival and a roster of rock and alternative music concerts under the title of "Be2gether." Most of the events are free of charge to visitors.

Vilnius will benefit from a 2009 budget of some 30 million euros (41 million dollars) for the various programmes and 55 million euros for a range of infrastructure projects. Priorities for Vilnius' mayor Juozas Imbrasas include the transformation of the former revolution museum into a national gallery, the refurbishment of a former printing works as a cultural centre and the reconstruction of the former Palace of the Grand Dukes at the heart of the Vilnius castle complex

The grand opening of the Lithuanian royal palace on July 6 is the most important date in the mayor's calendar and symbolizes the rebirth of the chief symbol of the long-lived Lithuanian state.

The date also marks the climax of the world Lithuanian song and dance festival, a traditional event whose history stretches back 100 years. It is set to be the most spectacular edition ever staged with more than 30,000 performers, including over 400 participating choirs.

Internet: www. culturelive. lt, www. vilnius-tourism. lt. (dpa)