As you know, various educational institutions rarely sights, but still there are exceptions. Vilnius University is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. In addition, the University is one of the largest institutions of higher education, educational and scientific centers not only in Vilnius but also in Lithuania.

It is believed that the university was opened in 1579, when the Jesuit College, which has existed since 1570, was reorganized and renamed the institution of higher education. But in 1773 the Jesuit Order suspended its action and the university moved to the secular arm. For quite a long time, this was considered the only university in Latvia, as he gained fame and popularity far beyond the borders of his country. It was in Vilnius University gathered students and professors from Italy, Scotland, England, Denmark and other Western European countries.

In 1832 Tsar Nicholas I ordered the closure of the university, considering the school the center of revolutionary sentiment and the epicenter of a dangerous free-thinking. It took almost a hundred years, and only in 1919 the University again resumed its work.

If we take into account the history of the university, we can safely say how much he has grown, because his buildings are located not only in the city but also for his feature. The history of the Vilnius University began in the Old City, which now has 12 buildings of educational institutions. Of particular interest is the artistic decoration of the large courtyard of the university. The courtyard is formed university buildings, the oldest of which is a 16th-century building, and the most modern - building of the 19th century.

The church and the bell tower of St. John the complete formation of the court. At the same time, in the style of the court attended by members of three different styles: classical, Baroque and Renaissance. In this part of the university atmosphere reigns Italian courtyard, because numerous arches transferred to the Renaissance. On the facade is a plaque on which you can see the names of professors and rectors, glorified Vilnius University.

University Library was founded exactly a year later than the famous and popular Oxford. It is considered the largest library in Lithuania. Even now, it holds several thousand copies of book publications still ages 17-19, and all the library has more than 5 million different volumes.

The library consists of several halls, which brings together a combination of different architectural styles. On the first floor is the library hall Smuglevich, which is the oldest of all the rooms of the library. For two years (1802 to 1804) decorated the interior decoration of the hall engaged Smuglevich Frantisek, who is the author of amazing frescoes of biblical scenes decorated and adorn the ceiling and walls of the library hall. The frescoes were subject to restoration in the first half of the 20th century. Currently held in the hall of the permanent exhibition, which presents unique manuscripts and manuscript.

Now the University comprises 12 faculties and 10 research centers and 8 institutions. In addition, in the Vilnius educational institution includes: three university hospitals, botanical gardens, an astronomical observatory, a computer center, and the church of St. John and a library.

According to some reports, in early 2005 at the University of Vilnius learned to 22618 students, and in 2006 had 25,014 students. Teaching staff in 2009 amounted to 1,309 employees, including 545 professors and 197 professors.

In addition, part of the Vilnius University Utrecht Network - Association of European Universities. In 2008, he first took part in the world university rankings, ranking 501 th out of 600.

Among the famous graduates of the famous University including: Juliusz Slovak and Adam Mickiewicz - Polish poet, Taras Shevchenko - the Ukrainian poet Yanka Kupala - Belarusian poet and many other world famous outstanding people.