In the 19th century only two cities in Eastern Europe were larger then Vilnius: Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Today there are many more, but sociologists at Mercer Human Resource Consulting have shown Lithuania’s picturesquely situated capital to be one of the friendliest cities in the region, surpassed only by Prague and Budapest. Napoleon, who visited Vilnius on his march on Moscow, was less impressed. In fact, St Anne’s Church (Maironio 8) was practically all that hi liked! He even wanted to transfer the building to Paris, and have it close to Notre Dame cathedral. This time his wish proved impossible to fulfill, so the masterpiece of Flemish-French Gothic continues to stand beautifully above the Vilnia with its façade of 33 types of brick. There are more such pearls in the city’s string of architectural gems: Stefan Batory University, the Baroque church of St Peter and Paul, and the Philharmonic from the turn of the 20th century. Most are situated between the Castle and the Gate of Dawn. If you’re going shopping, this in the only place to go; there’s no better place for a walk either