Lithuania Vilnius Vilnius Historical landmark

Verkiai Palace

About

Verkiai Palace in Vilnius is a neoclassical architectural ensemble set within the verdant Verkiai Regional Park, often referred to as the “Versailles of Vilnius.” Originally a wooden manor owned by the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the estate was gifted to the Vilnius bishopric by Grand Duke Jogaila in 1387. Its transformation into a grand palace began in the late 18th century under Bishop Ignacy Jakub Massalski, who commissioned architects Marcin Knackfus and Laurynas Gucevičius to design a refined classical residence. The palace once featured a theatre, library, and landscaped gardens, but suffered damage during Napoleon’s 1812 campaign. In 1839, Prince Ludwig Wittgenstein demolished the central building, repurposing the eastern wing as the main residence. Today, the surviving structures house the Nature Research Centre and are surrounded by scenic walking paths, historic parkland, and panoramic views of the Neris River. Verkiai Palace remains a cultural and historical landmark, blending aristocratic heritage with natural beauty on the northern edge of Vilnius.

Vilnius Lithuania

Location

Verkiai Palace is located in the picturesque Verkiai Regional Park on the northern outskirts of Vilnius, with one side facing the Neris River and the other bordering the neighborhoods of Jeruzalė, New Verkiai, and the Verkiai forest. This 18th-century neoclassical mansion, often called “the Versailles of Vilnius,” was originally the summer residence of Vilnius bishops and is renowned for its architectural elegance, parkland setting, and historical significance. Although the central palace building was demolished in the 19th century, the remaining east wing and ensemble structures are preserved, and the area is now managed by the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Institute of Botany. The palace complex is surrounded by lush parkland with scenic walking trails, ancient oak trees, and panoramic views of the Neris River valley, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Nearby, visitors can explore the Verkiai Calvary, Trinapolis Church and Monastery, and the extensive Verkiai forest, all within the tranquil atmosphere of Verkiai Regional Park. Entrance to the park is free, and the best time to visit is during spring and summer when the landscape is in full bloom.