Cities
Lithuania Vilnius Vilnius Museum

Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower

Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower
About

Dominating Cathedral Square in the heart of Vilnius, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus is Lithuania’s most important Catholic shrine and a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Originally built in 1251 following the Christianization of Lithuania, the cathedral has undergone numerous reconstructions, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical styles. Its elegant white façade and colonnaded portico reflect the vision of architect Laurynas Gucevičius, while inside, visitors find over 40 artworks spanning centuries and the ornate Baroque Chapel of St. Casimir. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the iconic Bell Tower, once part of the city’s defensive wall. Rising to 57 metres including the cross, it offers panoramic views of Vilnius and houses a bell exhibition and historic city clock. The cathedral’s crypts, open to visitors, reveal layers of Lithuania’s royal and religious past. Together, the cathedral and bell tower form a powerful symbol of national identity and spiritual heritage.

Vilnius Lithuania
Location

Vilnius Cathedral and its Bell Tower are located at Cathedral Square (Katedros aikštė) in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, the city’s historic and cultural center. The Bell Tower stands immediately next to the Cathedral, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lithuania. The Cathedral itself is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and serves as the main Roman Catholic church in the country, while the Bell Tower, rising to 52 meters (57 meters including the cross), offers panoramic views over the Old Town and its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Nearby, visitors can explore the bustling Cathedral Square, often the site of city events and gatherings, as well as the historic Gediminas Castle Tower, the picturesque Vilnia River, and the charming streets filled with cafes, shops, and museums. The Bell Tower also houses a small museum dedicated to its history, the old city clock, and an exhibition about the Cathedral and the tower’s evolution over centuries. The area is easily accessible on foot or by public transport, with the "Katedra" stop just a short walk away.

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 Verkiai Palace Verkiai Palace 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 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