Cathedral of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul

About

The Cathedral of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul is Šiauliai’s most prominent landmark, rising above the city with its striking 70‑metre tower. Completed in 1634, it is one of Lithuania’s few surviving Renaissance churches, though later centuries added Baroque and Classicist touches that give the building its layered character. Its massive white façade, visible from afar, once served as a navigational point for travellers crossing the Samogitian plains. Inside, the cathedral reveals a calm, spacious interior shaped by high vaults and soft natural light. The main altar, richly decorated with Baroque ornamentation, draws the eye immediately. Side chapels contain historic paintings, carved wooden altars and memorial plaques linked to prominent local families. One of the most interesting features is the 18th‑century pulpit, adorned with expressive sculptures that reflect the craftsmanship of the region’s woodcarvers. Visitors can also see the cathedral’s historic organ, used for concerts that fill the nave with resonant sound. The sacristy preserves liturgical textiles and silverware, offering a glimpse into centuries of religious life. Outside, the churchyard provides a peaceful vantage point over central Šiauliai, making the cathedral both a spiritual centre and a key architectural symbol of the city.

Šiauliai Lithuania

Location

The Cathedral of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul is the most striking landmark of Šiauliai, Lithuania. It is located at Aušros takas 3, near the city center, and its 70-meter-high Renaissance tower can be seen from all main roads entering the city. The cathedral was originally built in the early 17th century and became a cathedral in 1997 when Pope John Paul II established the Šiauliai diocese. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Šiauliai and join weekend tours that include the old and new bells, known as a carillon. The cathedral’s southern wall still displays one of the oldest sundials in Lithuania, and inside you will find two images of the Virgin Mary with votive offerings. Nearby attractions are all within walking distance. Right in the center is Sun Dial Square, home to Lithuania’s highest sundial at 18 meters, with an amphitheatre for events. Close by stand the famous “Iron Fox” sculpture, the largest metal animal sculpture in Lithuania and a symbol of the city. You can also visit the Šiauliai Boulevard, a unique pedestrian street filled with street art and small architecture, the Photography Museum with a roof terrace overlooking the boulevard, the Chaim Frenkel Villa-Museum in Art Nouveau style, the "Rūta" Chocolate Museum, the Cats Museum, and the Botanical Garden with its rock garden, the largest in the Baltic States.