Major facts about the city 
Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, located in the center of the country on a confluence of two biggest country's rivers - Nemunas and Neris. In 1920-1940 it was temporary capital of Lithuania. Kaunas is a big study, culture, industry, entertainment center, important crossroad in Lithuania and Eastern Europe.
Old City of Kaunas has many significant architecture and historical monuments. In the confluence of Nemunas and Neris stands Kaunas Castle. From City Hall to center of the city stretches Vilniaus street intended for pedestrians, whereby it is very comfortable to reach in all Lithuania famous Freedom Avenue (lith. Laisvės Alėja).
Total area of the city - 15.700 ha, number of inhabitants - over 350.000.
Kaunas is a huge culture center, rich in museums. There are also 26 libraries, 17 theatres, 20 folklore ensembles, various other art, sport collectives. In Kaunas work 7 universities, study 35.000 students. Every year various festivals take place: Pazaislis Music Festival, "Kaunas Jazz", musical "In Kaunas Castle", modern dance festival "Aura". One of the most famous culture event - city's birthday "Kaunas City Days", celebrated on May.
Kaunas differs from other cities in its sportsmanship. It's the only city in the country which has higher educational institution preparing sport specialists. Kaunas has deep basketball traditions. The best example - basketball team "Žalgiris", established in 1944. From the very beginning of its lifetime it was one of the strongest team in Soviet Union. And now "Žalgiris" is among most powerful basketball teams in Europe.
Brief history of Kaunas city
The settlement whereof Kaunas city has grown up was first mentioned by chroniclers in 1361. To defend from crusaders attacks a brick castle was built, soon it became an important part of city's defence system. In 1408 Vytautas the Great gave Kaunas Magdeburg rights. Since then the city started to expand rapidly, grew its importance as a center of trade with West Europe and as a harbour. In 16th century were built first school, public hospital, pharmacy and until the end of the century Kaunas became one of the best formed city in the Great Duchy of Lithuania.
In 1812 Napoleon army was moving across the river Nemunas. During the war city was wasted for 2 times. In 1862 first railway was built, in 1898 first electric power station started to work - all that helped to develop city's industry and trade. However further development was suspended by World War I.
After russians took country's capital Vilnius, state's council and the Cabinet moved to Kaunas. When Vilnius was occupied by Poland in 1920, Kaunas became temporary capital and the most important city of Lithuania. In the years of independence Kaunas expanded greatly, number of inhbitants increased, industry prospered. In 1924 buses started to run, in 1928 plumbing was installed. Unfortunately this prospering of the city was terminated by Soviet occupation.
In 1991, after retrieving independence, cooperation opportunities with cities of foreign countries opened for Kaunas. Today Kaunas is second biggest city in Lithuania.
