Church of Sts. Peter and Paul

Visits work best with a little advance thought, especially as the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul continues to rise in popularity. Tickets are not required; entry is free, although donations are accepted. Weekdays bring fewer tourists and more opportunities to admire the art in peace, while weekends see activity from worshippers and visitors alike. The setting, in the charming Antakalnis district, is easy to reach from Vilnius' Old Town by public transport, taxi, or even by foot for those willing to walk along tree-lined avenues. Accessibility throughout the church is fairly good, though a handful of steps at entrances might challenge visitors with mobility needs.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon; spring and autumn for mild weather and lighter crowds.
• How to get there: Bus routes from Vilnius Old Town reach Antakalnio Street; taxis or rideshare apps are also convenient options. Walking from Cathedral Square takes about 30 minutes.
• Accessibility: Suitable for most visitors; some areas may be more difficult for wheelchairs or strollers due to steps at side entrances.
• Average visit duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on interest in art and history.

The church’s reputation stems mainly from its baroque interior, celebrated throughout Europe for complexity and craftsmanship. Stepping inside reveals over 2,000 stunning stucco figures—angels, saints, biblical stories, and symbols—all in brilliant white. The effect is almost dreamlike: vivid scenes carved from light and silence, broken only by the soft shuffle of visitors or quiet prayers of locals. Don’t miss the unique main dome, whose height and subtle shadings deliver a sense of weightless awe. Alongside the major sights, the church also features smaller chapels rich with stories and history.

• Key sights: The soaring main dome, gilded altar, and extensive white stucco work covering walls, ceilings, and arches.
• Unique experiences: Search for the legendary "skull chapel," where a unique silver skull commemorates the pagan past; attend midday pipe organ recitals for a blend of music and architecture.
• Photo-worthy locations: The entrance facing the main altar, fragments of sunlight across sculpted angels, and details above side chapels.
• Cultural and historical facts: Funded by hetman Michał Kazimierz Pac as thanks for survival in battle, this 17th-century church stands on a site with both Christian and pagan roots, symbolizing Lithuania’s layered spiritual past.