Church of St. Casimir - morning in the town of Rakov, caste.
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Church of St. Casimir

4.7
·997 reviews·Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius's oldest Baroque church, built in 1618, boasting ornate interiors and a fascinating history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Church of St. Casimir - morning in the town of Rakov, caste.

Church of St. Casimir

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vilnius's oldest Baroque church, built in 1618, boasting ornate interiors and a fascinating history.

4.7
(997 reviews)

"A very beautiful space. Free to enter. Worth a visit when in Vilnius."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Be Respectful During Services

If you visit during a service, be mindful and quiet. Photography might be limited.

💡 Don't Miss the Crypt

Remember to switch on the lights before you descend into the crypt for a better view.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Architecture

Baroque Architecture

Entire Church

Marvel at the oldest Baroque church in Vilnius, a testament to 17th-century Italian design and artistry.

Ornate Altars and Frescoes

Ornate Altars and Frescoes

Interior

Be captivated by the intricate details of the altars and the vibrant frescoes that adorn the church's walls.

The Crypt

The Crypt

Below the Church

Descend into the crypt for a unique perspective and a moment of quiet reflection. Remember to turn on the lights!

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to St. Casimir

The Church of St. Casimir is a stunning Baroque masterpiece. To truly appreciate its beauty without the crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekends can be busier, especially during services.

Understanding Its History

Originally built in 1618 as the first Baroque church in Vilnius, St. Casimir has a complex past, including being converted to an Orthodox church. This history adds a unique layer to its architectural significance.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chicago church seen on Chicago TV 📺 Mother of the Americas Catholic Church 🇻🇦 ⛪️ Little Village, Chicago 🌆 🗺️ This church has gone through many changes! -Founded in 1890 as Saint Casimir for Poles in South Lawndale -Built as Saint Casmir’s in 1917 in the Baroque Polish Renaissance Style -Considered a “Polish Cathedral” -Parish merged in 1990 with the Czech church nearby, St. Ludmilla’s (now raz...
@chicagiensis
2.8K likes • 41.8K views

🤫 Be Respectful During Services

If you visit during a service, be mindful and quiet. Photography might be limited. Reddit

💡 Don't Miss the Crypt

Remember to switch on the lights before you descend into the crypt for a better view. Reddit

🇱🇹 The Church of St. Casimir was built in 1618 and is the oldest baroque church in Vilnius💒 #vilnius #visitlithuania #ig_travel #architecturelover #architecturephotography #architectureporn #places_wow #europe_greatshots #europe_ig #europetravel #traveltheworld #wonderful_places #worldshotz #natgeotravel #traveltheworld #travel #travelislife #passportlife #wanderer #seetheworld #travelbug #trave...
aubreycreative_ny
463 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Church of St. Casimir, Vilnius. Built in 1618, making it the first and oldest baroque church in Vilnius.

📸 Capture the Details

The intricate altars and frescoes are stunning. Take your time to photograph the beautiful interior. Instagram

📍 Location Near City Hall

Conveniently located near Vilnius City Hall, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Reddit

reddit.com

Church of St. Casimir in Vilnius, Lithuania [OS][OC]

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Be Respectful During Services

If you visit during a service, be mindful and quiet. Photography might be limited. Reddit

💡 Don't Miss the Crypt

Remember to switch on the lights before you descend into the crypt for a better view. Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

The intricate altars and frescoes are stunning. Take your time to photograph the beautiful interior. Instagram

📍 Location Near City Hall

Conveniently located near Vilnius City Hall, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(997 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Church of St. Casimir for its stunning Baroque architecture and free entry. Many highlight the beauty of the interior, including the ornate altars and frescoes, and recommend a visit to the crypt. Some note that it can be hard to fully appreciate due to its size and surrounding streets, and photography may be limited during services.

"The Church of St. Casimir, located in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a significant example of Baroque architecture and is one of the few churches in the city built in this style. Completed in the 17th century, it was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Frediani.

The church is dedicated to St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania, and is known for its beautiful interior, which features ornate altars, intricate decorations, and impressive frescoes. It has served as a place of worship for both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox community over the years.

The Church of St. Casimir is situated near the bustling Old Town area, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists."

Natalia Pirizhniak

"A very beautiful space. Free to enter. I was there when a service was taking place, so I took limited photos inside. Worth a visit when in Vilnius."

Bryan Stoops

"Beautiful cathedral. Hard to fully appreciate due to its large size and tight streets, but worth a visit. Free to enter also."

Jamie S

What People Like

Beautiful Baroque architecture
Free entry
Ornate altars and frescoes

What People Dislike

Can be hard to appreciate fully
Photography limits during services

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Church of St. Casimir is centrally located near Vilnius City Hall, making it easily accessible on foot from the Old Town. Public transport options are also available, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Instagram

Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its Old Town location. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a designated city parking lot and walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Church of St. Casimir is generally free. You can explore the main sanctuary without a ticket. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially around religious holidays. It's best to check locally or look for signs posted at the church entrance. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the crypt. There's a light switch on the right side after descending a few steps to illuminate the area. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Church of St. Casimir is a prime example of Baroque architecture, notable for being the first and oldest Baroque church in Vilnius. Instagram

Inside, visitors can admire ornate altars, intricate decorations, and impressive frescoes, showcasing the rich artistry of the Baroque period. Instagram

Photography is usually permitted, but it's important to be respectful, especially if a service is in progress. Some areas might have restrictions. Reddit

Built in 1618, it's the first Baroque church in Vilnius. It has also served as a place of worship for both Catholic and Orthodox communities throughout its history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior facade, especially with the surrounding city hall area, offers great shots. Inside, focus on the detailed altars, frescoes, and the unique atmosphere of the crypt. Instagram

While possible, it's best to be discreet and avoid flash photography during services to not disturb worshippers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate grand design, the Church of St. Casimir is a must-see. As the first Baroque church in Vilnius, its 1618 construction offers a pure example of the style. Pay close attention to the ornate altars and vibrant frescoes inside, which are hallmarks of this era. Don't forget to explore the crypt for a unique perspective on the building's history. InstagramReddit

🚶 History Buffs

The Church of St. Casimir's past is a fascinating narrative of religious and political shifts. Learn about its original construction in 1618 and its later conversion to an Orthodox church. This history adds a profound depth to its architectural beauty, offering insights into the region's complex past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: The Baroque Legacy

The Church of St. Casimir stands as a significant landmark in Vilnius, celebrated as the city's first and oldest Baroque church. Completed in 1618, its design by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Frediani showcases the grandeur and dramatic flair characteristic of the Baroque style. Visitors are immediately struck by its imposing facade and the rich ornamentation that defines its interior. The church's historical journey includes periods of use by both Catholic and Orthodox communities, adding layers of cultural significance to its architectural beauty. Instagram

Inside, the church is a treasure trove of religious art. The ornate altars are masterfully crafted, featuring intricate carvings and gilded details that draw the eye. The walls and ceilings are adorned with vibrant frescoes, depicting religious scenes with a dynamism that was revolutionary for its time. These artistic elements, combined with the church's historical narrative, make a visit a deeply enriching experience for art and history enthusiasts. Instagram

Beyond the main sanctuary, the crypt offers a more somber yet equally fascinating experience. The ability to illuminate this underground space adds a unique interactive element to the visit. It’s a reminder of the layers of history and devotion that lie beneath the surface of this iconic Vilnius landmark. Reddit

A Glimpse into History: From Catholic to Orthodox and Back

The Church of St. Casimir's history is as complex as its architecture. Established in 1618, it was a significant Catholic edifice. However, its story took a turn when it was converted into an Orthodox church by the Muscovites, a period that reportedly involved significant alterations, including the removal of its towers. This transformation highlights the turbulent historical and political shifts that have impacted religious sites in the region. Reddit

Despite these historical challenges, the church has retained much of its original Baroque splendor. Its resilience and continued presence near the bustling Old Town make it a poignant symbol of Vilnius's enduring heritage. The fact that it remains a place of worship, serving various communities over time, underscores its importance to the city's spiritual and cultural fabric. Reddit

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