Sight guide · Vilnius · Lithuania
Visiting Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
Rebuilt in neoclassical style by Laurynas Gucevičius at the end of the 18th century, the cathedral has a temple-like portico and, inside, the baroque Chapel of St Casimir.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Scotch Mist, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square is a religious site in Old Town, Vilnius. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Old Town
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history and architecture
- Best months
- March–April and October
About Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
Rebuilt in neoclassical style by Laurynas Gucevičius at the end of the 18th century, the cathedral has a temple-like portico and, inside, the baroque Chapel of St Casimir. The freestanding bell tower can be climbed for views, and a tile in the square marked 'Stebuklas' (miracle) marks the end point of the 1989 Baltic Way human chain.
Tip: Find the Stebuklas tile between the cathedral and the bell tower, then climb the tower for a view over the square.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Old Town, baroque churches, university courtyards and cobbled lanes from Cathedral Square to the Gate of Dawn.
Best time to visit Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- April: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 4°C (39°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Vilnius has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Vilnius itinerary visits Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square on day 1, together with Old Town walk: Pilies street to the Gate of Dawn and Gediminas' Tower and Castle Hill.
- No. 2 of the 19 sights in our Vilnius things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Vilnius.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Vilnius.
Near Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
Also in Old Town, so you can walk between them:
- Old Town walk: Pilies street to the Gate of Dawn — half a day, free
- Gediminas' Tower and Castle Hill — 1 hour, low cost
- Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania — 2 hours, mid-priced
If you like Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
- Church of St Peter and St Paul — Antakalnis, 30–45 minutes
Staying near Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
Stay in Old Town ($$$) to walk here: baroque churches, university courtyards and cobbled lanes from Cathedral Square to the Gate of Dawn. All areas to stay in Vilnius.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square?
Plan 1 hour. With Old Town walk: Pilies street to the Gate of Dawn nearby, it fits a half-day in Old Town.
+Is Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square?
March–April and October, the quietest of the good months. Find the Stebuklas tile between the cathedral and the bell tower, then climb the tower for a view over the square.
+Do I need to book Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.