Sts Johns' Church

Top choice in Vilnius


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 1387, it predates the 16th-century university within which it is situated, although the present late-baroque structure was built following an 18th-century fire. Its freestanding campanile is the tallest structure in Old Town, and contains a Foucault's Pendulum demonstrating the rotation of the earth. Views from the top are splendid.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vilnius attractions

1. Grand Courtyard

0.01 MILES

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

2. House of Signatories

0.04 MILES

Lithuania's Declaration of Independence was signed here on 16 February 1918. Today, across 14 rooms of this 18th-century house, you'll find a reverent…

3. Vilnius University

0.07 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…

5. Sarbievijus Courtyard

0.08 MILES

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

6. Amber Museum-Gallery

0.09 MILES

Dedicated to Baltic gold and the beautiful things it can be crafted into, this enthusiastic little museum occupies a 17th-century baroque house. Upstairs…

7. Presidential Palace

0.11 MILES

The Bishops of Vilnius’ Palace in the 16th century, this classical edifice now houses the president and chancellery. It gained its current Russian empire…

8. Mickiewicz Memorial Apartment & Museum

0.13 MILES

‘Lithuania, my fatherland…’ is from Poland’s romantic masterpiece Pan Tadeusz. Its Polish author Adam Mickiewicz (1798–1855) – muse to Polish nationalists…