Cities
Lithuania Kaunas Kaunas Monastery

Pazaislis Monastery and Church

About

Pažaislis Monastery and Church is one of the finest Baroque ensembles in Northern Europe, set on a quiet peninsula by the Kaunas Reservoir. Founded in the 17th century by the Camaldolese order, it was designed by Italian masters who brought an unmistakably Mediterranean elegance to Lithuania. Its distinctive hexagonal church layout and twin towers make it architecturally unique in the region. Inside, visitors are greeted by lavish frescoes created by Michelangelo Palloni, whose vivid colours and dramatic compositions remain among the most impressive Baroque artworks in the country. The church’s interior is filled with marble details, sculptural altars and symbolic motifs that reflect the contemplative spirit of the order. One of the most interesting features is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, long associated with local legends and pilgrimages. The monastery courtyard, cloisters and gardens offer a peaceful atmosphere, while the former guesthouse now hosts a cultural centre and seasonal events. Pažaislis is also home to the renowned Pažaislis Music Festival, which brings classical performances to this historic setting.

Kaunas Lithuania
Pazaislis Monastery and Church
Location

Pažaislis Monastery and Church is located in the Petrašiūnai district of Kaunas, on a scenic peninsula surrounded by the Kaunas Reservoir. Built in the 17th century, it is considered one of the finest examples of mature Baroque architecture in Lithuania and all of Northeastern Europe. The complex was founded for Camaldolese monks and features a striking hexagonal church topped with a dome and two towers. Inside, you’ll find lavish frescoes, intricate stucco work, and marble details created by Italian masters. The monastery ensemble also includes monastic buildings, gates, and a landscaped park. Today it houses the Sacral Heritage Museum and still functions as a convent. Each summer it hosts the renowned Pažaislis Music Festival. The monastery sits within Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park, ideal for lakeside walks, cycling, and views of the water. The Kaunas Yacht Club is just next door if you want to see boats or take a short cruise in summer. About 15 minutes away is the VDU Botanical Garden in Freda, with its Japanese garden and orangery. Kaunas Old Town is a short drive off, where you can visit Kaunas Castle, Town Hall Square, and Laisvės Alėja. The nearby IX Fort Museum and Christ’s Resurrection Basilica are also easy to reach, making Pažaislis a great stop for both history and nature.

Kaunas City Museum Kaunas City Museum Museum Vytautas the Great War Museum Vytautas the Great War Museum Museum M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art Museum Devils' Museum Devils' Museum Museum Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum Museum Lietuvos aviacijos muziejus Lietuvos aviacijos muziejus Museum Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy Museum Historical Presidential Palace Historical Presidential Palace Museum Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Museum of Zoology Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Museum of Zoology Museum Maironis Museum of Lithuanian Literature Maironis Museum of Lithuanian Literature Museum Kaunas Sport museum Kaunas Sport museum Museum Kaunas Art Deco Museum Kaunas Art Deco Museum Museum KGB Atomic Bunker Museum KGB Atomic Bunker Museum Museum Stumbras Museum Stumbras Museum Museum Kaunas Castle Kaunas Castle Castle Kaunas Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Kaunas Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Basilica Church of St. Michael the Archangel Church of St. Michael the Archangel Church Kaunas State Musical Theatre Kaunas State Musical Theatre Theatre Kaunas State Drama Theatre Kaunas State Drama Theatre Theatre Ąžuolynas Park Ąžuolynas Park Park VDU Botanical garden VDU Botanical garden Botanical Garden Lithuanian Zoo Lithuanian Zoo Zoo