Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest and best-preserved Old Towns in Europe. The beginnings of the historic part of the Lithuanian capital date back to 1387, when Vilnius received the city's status from king Władysław II Jagiełło in accordance with Magdeburg law. The historic district surrounded by medieval defensive walls is located on the left bank of the Neris River and covers an area of 360 hectares. Among the historic buildings those built in the Baroque style dominate – churches, palaces, tenement houses and private villas. In 1994, the Old Town in Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
