Church of St. Casimir
St. Casimir's Church stands in Town Hall Square as one of Vilnius' most distinctive landmarks. Built between 1604 and 1618 by the Jesuits, it was the first Baroque church in Lithuania and remains one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in all of Eastern Europe. St. Casimir: Patron of Lithuania The church is dedicated to St. Casimir, the only officially canonized prince of Lithuania. The cult of Casimir Jagiellon (1458–1484) flourished in Vilnius during the 16th century, and when the Jesuits arrived to promote Catholic Reformation ideals, they chose this royal saint as the patron of their new architectural masterpiece. His image still gazes down from above the main entrance, a reminder that the church is not only an architectural monument but also a living part of Lithuania's royal heritage. The First Baroque Church in Lithuania The white plastered facade, the Latin cross floor plan, and the prominent central dome introduced a radically new visual language to early 17th-century Vilnius. The Jesuits, with their direct links to Roman artistic circles, brought to Lithuania a grandeur previously seen only in Italy and Spain. Three naves, vaulted ceilings with dormer windows, and rich interior decoration create a spatial experience that has remained essentially unchanged for four centuries. A Turbulent History The church has survived more upheavals than most buildings in Vilnius. During Napoleon's 1812 campaign it was used as a warehouse. Under Russian Imperial rule in the 19th century it was converted into an Orthodox church, with the facade repainted and the interior remodeled. During the Soviet period it was turned into an atheism museum, with religious decorations removed and anti-religious propaganda displayed in the nave. After Lithuanian independence in 1990, the church was returned to the faithful. The historic altars were restored, fresco fragments were repaired, and the church was fully reconsecrated. Today it functions as an active Catholic parish, with regular masses and sacred music concerts throughout the year. Practical Information The church is located in the southwestern corner of Town Hall Square, just a few minutes' walk from Vilnius Cathedral and St. Peter and Paul's Church . Entry is free. The interior is best lit in the morning when eastern light illuminates the Baroque altars. In summer, international sacred music festivals are held here — check the programme before your visit. More information about the church's history and services is available at the official website kazimiero.lt .
Adresas: Didžioji g. 34, 01128 Vilnius, Lithuania
Telefonas: (0-5) 212 1715
Svetainė: https://kazimiero.lt/
Darbo valandos: Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- bažnyčia
''
