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St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius

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St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius is the first Baroque church in the city, built in 1604 on the initiative of the Jesuit Order. Inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome, this architectural masterpiece is distinguished by its Latin cross plan, twin-tower structure, and six chapels.

The church's history is marked by challenges: fires, war damage, conversion into an Orthodox church, and later into a Museum of Atheism. After its restoration in 1991, it was returned to the Jesuits and became an important spiritual center and tourist attraction.

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Religious Heritage
Vilnius

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54.677637, 25.288534

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Located in Vilnius Old Town, St. Casimir’s Church is not only the oldest Baroque church in the city but also one of Lithuania’s most remarkable sacred architectural gems. Built in 1604 through the efforts of the Jesuit Order and funded by St. Casimir's relative, Sigismund Vasa, it set a precedent for other churches of the period. The church’s design was inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome, with Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni overseeing its construction. St. Casimir’s Church has a complex history. It suffered damage from a fire in 1610 and was severely affected during the war with Russia in 1655. At the end of the 18th century, the church became a parish church, but in 1832, it was closed and later converted into an Orthodox church. The 19th-century

reconstruction significantly altered its appearance, with reduced towers and the removal of Baroque details. In the 20th century, the church experienced further transformations: it served as a Lutheran prayer house and, during the Soviet era, as a Museum of Atheism. Finally, in 1991, it was returned to the Jesuits, regaining its role as an important Catholic spiritual center in Vilnius. This Baroque church captivates with its architectural complexity. It features a Latin cross plan, twin towers, a dome, and six chapels. Inside, some original altars and elements of Renaissance and Gothic styles have been preserved. Today, St. Casimir’s Church serves as both a sacred site and a notable landmark in Vilnius, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts alike.

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2025-11-17

St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius

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