Visiting Lithuania

Cathedral of Vilnius

The Cathedral of Vilnius, a massive Baroque church with beautiful works of art and sacred objects, is a Vilnius landmark.

St. Casimir, Lithuania’s patron saint, is buried here in a silver coffin. His tomb is to the right of the high altar.

Every year the faithful come to pray at his tomb and seek his powerful intercession. In 1993, the shrine received Pope John Paul II.

The Cathedral of Vilnius, located at Arkikatedros Square, is open daily and receives pilgrims throughout the year. A gift shop is located in the cathedral.

St. Casimir’s feast is celebrated on March 4.

About St. Casimir

St. Casimir (1458-1484) is the only canonized Lithuanian saint. He is the patron of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth.

He was born of royalty, the second son of King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, but devoted himself at an early age to the service of the Lord. He was gifted, well-educated, and virtuous, and known for his devotion to Mary and his alms to the poor rather than his short political career.

Casimir was loved and respected by both the Polish and Lithuanian people, even after his death in Vilnius in 1484.

Numerous miracles were attributed to him through his intercession.

The saint's gravesite became so popular that Pope Alexander VI granted an indulgence to the chapel in which Casimir had been buried.

In 1620, Pope Paul V extended the feast day of Saint Casimir to the universal Church, authorizing a Mass and a proper Divine office.

The domed Chapel of St. Casimir was added to the cathedral in 1623-1636. The saint’s remains are in a silver coffin, elevated above the altar.

The cathedral of Vilnius was built in 1604-1618. Ruined by fires in the 17th and 18th centuries, the twin-towered Baroque church was modified during restoration in the mid-18th Century.

Shrine of Our Lady of Siluva
Hill of Crosses Shrine
Gate of Dawn Shrine
Church of the Holy Spirit
Cathedral of Vilnius