Cities
Lithuania Vilnius Vilnius Historical landmark

Verkiai Palace

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.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Vilnius National Museum of Lithuania National Museum of Lithuania Vilnius Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights Vilnius MO Museum MO Museum Vilnius Vilnil Museum of Illusions Vilnil Museum of Illusions Vilnius Toy Museum Toy Museum Vilnius Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania Vilnius Contemporary Art Centre Contemporary Art Centre Vilnius Vilnius Picture Gallery Vilnius Picture Gallery Vilnius TSEKH Gallery TSEKH Gallery Vilnius Lithuanian National Drama Theatre Lithuanian National Drama Theatre Vilnius Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Vilnius Vilnius Puppet Theatre Vilnius Puppet Theatre Vilnius Gediminas Castle Tower Gediminas Castle Tower Vilnius Bernardine Garden Bernardine Garden Vilnius Vingis Park Vingis Park Vilnius Vilnius Botanical Garden Vilnius Botanical Garden Vilnius Sapiegos Park Sapiegos Park Vilnius Hill of Three Crosses Hill of Three Crosses Vilnius TV Tower Vilnius TV Tower Vilnius Vilnius St. John's Church Bell Tower St. John's Church Bell Tower Vilnius Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower Vilnius Church of St. Anne Church of St. Anne Vilnius Gates of Dawn Gates of Dawn Vilnius Presidential Palace Presidential Palace Vilnius Rotušės aikštė Rotušės aikštė Vilnius Hales Market Hales Market Vilnius Uzupis Republic Uzupis Republic Vilnius Literatų Street Literatų Street Vilnius Subačiaus Viewpoint Subačiaus Viewpoint Vilnius Pavilniai Regional Park Pavilniai Regional Park Vilnius

User attributes