As of January [update] , Vilnius' estimated population was ,, and the Vilnius urban area which extends beyond the city limits has an estimated population of , Vilnius is notable for the architecture of its Old Town , considered one of the largest and best-preserved old towns of Europe. The city was already noted for its multicultural population in the time of the PolishโLithuanian Commonwealth , with contemporary sources comparing it to Babylon. Its Jewish influence has led to its nickname "the Jerusalem of Lithuania".
Napoleon called it "the Jerusalem of the North" [22] as he passed through in The name of the city originates from the Vilnia River , from the Lithuanian word for ripple. The names Wilno , Wilna , and Vilna were also used in older English, German, French, and Italian language publications when the city was one of the capitals of the PolishโLithuanian Commonwealth and an important city in the Second Polish Republic.
Wilna is still used in German, along with Vilnius. According to legend , that is presumed to be recorded c. With the successful hunt for a wisent having lasted longer than expected, the Grand Duke decided to settle in for the night in the valley.
He fell soundly asleep and dreamed of a huge Iron Wolf standing at the top of a hill, howling as strongly and loudly as a hundred wolves. Upon awakening, the Duke asked the krivis pagan priest Lizdeika to interpret the dream.
The priest told him:. What is destined for the ruler and the State of Lithuania, is thus: the Iron Wolf represents a castle and a city which will be established by you on this site.
