Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church (Sv. Apastalu Petro ir Povilo Baznycia)

Antakalnio Gatvė 1, Vilnius, LTU

The marvelous 17th-century Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Sv. Apastalu Petro ir Povilo Baznycia may seem typically baroque, but the relatively dull exterior belies its interior brilliance. Step inside to find detailing that's almost overwhelming, from thousands of intricate statues to a boat-shaped, art nouveau chandelier.

Built on a site once occupied by a pagan cult, the church was commissioned by a Lithuanian aristocrat in 1668, and designed by architect Frediani Giambattista. Today, this active Roman Catholic church offers daily services to parishioners.

To admire the church's architecture, grand central dome, and stark Grim Reaper statue, you can stop by any day of the week. Vilnius sightseeing tours often stop here, and some full-day tours include further stops at Trakai Castle, which is definitely a perk, since it's tough to reach without a car. If you're visiting independently, you can stroll from the Old Town. On your walk back, stop at the Hill of Three Crosses to enjoy outstanding cityscape views.

  • Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the thousands of sculptures by Pietro Perti, and the altar painting depicting St. Peter and St. Paul.
  • If you're walking from the Old Town, wear comfy shoes—it's at least 30-minutes on foot.
  • Services at the church are held in Lithuanian and Polish.

Located in the Antakalnis district, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is at Antakalnio Street 1, in Vilnius. Since the church is situated a bit outside the city center, the most convenient way to reach the chapel is on a guided tour. You can also hop on the #34 bus, which runs from just outside the Gates of Dawn to Vasaros St., a short walk from the church.

The church is open from 7am to 6:30pm every day, holding Mass services multiple times daily. To avoid the Sunday crowds, plan to visit earlier in the day during the week. Without parishioners inside it's easier to find a quiet moment to marvel at the fantastical details.

About a 15-minute walk from Cathedral Square, and up a set of wooden steps from the river, you can find Vilnius' Hill of Three Crosses. Originally erected in tribute to martyred monks, this is a standout destination for cityscape views. Stop by day or night to enjoy a look across Vilnius, or visit in the evening for spectacular sunsets.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP