Lithuania is the southernmost nation among the Baltic countries, a former state of the Soviet bloc, which borders Poland, Latvia and Belarus. The capital, Vilnius, near the border with Belarus, is renowned for its medieval old town. Vilnius also has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, as well as an 18th century cathedral built on the site of a pagan temple. At the top of the hill, the Gediminas tower, symbol of the city and the whole nation, offers sweeping views.