Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square
Vilniaus arkikatedra / Katedros aikštė
Lithuania’s most important Catholic cathedral. Its white neoclassical temple-style façade and the freestanding bell tower stand on the great square at the north end of the Old Town, the heart of national celebrations.
The site of Vilnius Cathedral is said to have once been a pagan temple to the god of thunder. After Lithuania adopted Christianity in 1387, the first church was built here. After repeated fires and reconstructions, its present form is the neoclassical design of architect Laurynas Gucevičius from the late 18th century. The façade has six Doric columns supporting a triangular pediment, and the roof is crowned with statues of Saints Helena, Casimir and Stanislaus. The most precious interior feature is the St. Casimir Chapel on the south side, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece with lavish marble and stucco decoration. It holds the silver coffin of St. Casimir, Lithuania’s patron saint. The crypt beneath houses some grand dukes and nobles and can be visited on a guided tour (fee required). The freestanding bell tower in front of the cathedral is about 57 m tall. It was originally a defensive tower of the Lower Castle, and visitors can pay to climb to the top. A paving stone in the square bears the word “Stebuklas” (Miracle). It marks the starting point of the 1989 Baltic Way human chain. Legend says that if you stand on it, turn clockwise once and make a wish, it will come true. The Grand Ducal Palace stands on the east side of the square, and to the south the square connects to Gediminas Avenue and Pilies Street.
Opening hours
Church about 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (keep quiet during Mass); bell tower about 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (check website)
Nearby sights
- Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
- Pilies Street & Literatų Street
- National Museum of Lithuania (New Arsenal)
- Gediminas' Tower
- Presidential Palace, Vilnius
- Vilnius University
- Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania
- St. Anne's Church