The Presidential Palace in Vilnius, the official residence of the President of Lithuania.; Shutterstock ID 692036209; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Vilnius destination page

Shutterstock / Birute Vijeikiene

Presidential Palace

Vilnius


The Bishops of Vilnius’ Palace in the 16th century, this classical edifice now houses the president and chancellery. It gained its current Russian empire style early in the 19th century, and was used both by Napoleon (during his advance on Moscow) and his Russian adversary, General Mikhail Kutuzov (chasing him back to Paris). See the ceremonial changing of the guard every day at 6pm, and the flag-hoisting ceremony on Sunday at noon. Visits by guided tour (in Lithuanian, plus English in summer) must be booked in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vilnius attractions

1. Sarbievijus Courtyard

0.04 MILES

This smaller courtyard of Vilnius University is named for a 17th-century Professor of Rhetoric.

2. Vilnius University

0.05 MILES

Founded in 1579 during the Catholic Counter Reformation, Vilnius University was run by Jesuits for two centuries. During the 19th century it became one of…

4. Sts Johns' Church

0.11 MILES

The full name is 'Church of St Johns, St John the Baptist and St John the Apostle and Evangelist', but 'Sts Johns' (plural) will do nicely. Founded in…

5. Grand Courtyard

0.12 MILES

The gallery of the courtyard – the largest of the 13 that comprise Vilnius University's 'architectural ensemble' – features plaques commemorating the…

6. Shrine of Divine Mercy

0.13 MILES

Built in the Gothic style in the 15th century, then rebuilt after a fire in the 18th, this single-nave church contains an image of the vision in which…

7. Church of the Holy Spirit

0.14 MILES

This splendidly ornate late-Baroque church dates to the time of Grand Duke Vytautas, in the early 15th century. The fanciful interior, with its lavish…

8. Cathedral Square

0.14 MILES

Katedros aikštė buzzes with local life. In the 19th century markets and fairs were held here and a moat ran around what is now the square’s perimeter so…