National congress of Lithuanians, living in Italy: “Vilnius 700: crossroads of history. Lithuania-Italy”

From the 22nd to 24th of September in Padua, Italy, a national convention of Lithuanians, living in Italy will be held. This year it’s dedicated to the 700th anniversary of Vilnius.

The cornerstone of the event is a conference, dedicated to reviewing the centuries-old historical relations between Italy and Lithuania and the history of the city of Vilnius. In this occasion guests from Lithuania are invited to present the theme. Alfredas Bumblauskas, professor of the Faculty of History of Vilnius University, will invite you to explore "What does the 700th anniversary of Vilnius mean for Lithuania and the world?". Methodist of the educational department of the National Museum - Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Dr. Nelė Kostinienė will talk about the "Lithuanian "golden youth" studies in Padua and other Italian universities", which is very relevant also because the convention will be held in the old palace of the University of Padua, where many Lithuanian noblemen studied. Daiva Mitrulevičiūta, head of foreign relations of the National Museum - Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, in her presentation will look for "Italian signs in Vilnius". Andrea Griffante, a researcher at the Institute of Lithuanian History, will move to Vilnius of the 20th century, and will present a report on the topic "Between dreams and reality: Vilnius of the 20th century through the eyes of Italians".

After the conference event, the participants will discuss the topics of the referendum on the preservation of Lithuanian citizenship. Its initiators will talk about its importance: Dalia Henke, chairperson of the Lithuanian World Community, and Dalia Asanavičiūtė, member of the Seimas.

The event is partially financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and supported by Go Vilnius.