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St. Philip and St. Jacob Church in Vilnius

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The Church of St. Philip and St. Jacob in Vilnius is an impressive late Baroque structure located in the heart of the city. This single-nave, twin-towered church, built between 1690 and 1722, is renowned for its miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which has attracted countless pilgrims. The church has experienced numerous historical challenges: in 1794, it was damaged by the Russian army, in 1812, it served as a military hospital, and during the Soviet era, it was repurposed as a warehouse.

In 1992, the church was returned to the faithful, and in 2015, the Vilnius carillon was installed in its tower. As the tallest single-nave church in Lithuania, it captivates visitors with its architecture and historical significance. Services are held in both Lithuanian and Polish.

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Religious Heritage
Vilnius

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54.690666, 25.272035

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The Church of St. Philip and St. Jacob, a late Baroque masterpiece, stands near Lukiškės Square. Built between 1690 and 1722, it is distinguished by its elegant twin-towered design and rectangular central nave. At 24 meters, it is the tallest single-nave church in Lithuania. Adjacent to the church is the former Dominican monastery, while the interior houses seven altars and the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, brought from Russia in 1649. Throughout its history, the church has endured significant hardships: in 1794, it was damaged by the Russian army; in 1812, it was converted into a military hospital;

and during the Soviet period, it was used as a warehouse for fruits and vegetables and as a storage space for the Opera and Ballet Theater. After Lithuania regained independence, the church was returned to the faithful in 1992, and its grand altar and sculptures were meticulously restored. Today, the church attracts not only worshippers but also architecture enthusiasts. In 2015, the Vilnius carillon was installed in its tower, becoming one of the city’s symbols. Services continue to be held in Lithuanian and Polish, and the church remains an important part of Vilnius’s cultural and spiritual life.

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