Cathedral Square lies in the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town, next to the magnificent neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and its distinctive bell tower. Spend time here to experience the city’s traditional civic centre. Located at the crossroads of Vilnius’ main streets, Cathedral Square regularly hosts fairs, events, concerts, exhibitions and parades. Check out the cathedral’s architecture, trace the outline of the ancient city walls and admire the square’s historical monuments.
Stroll along the lightly mottled granite pavement of the spacious square, which has been a gathering place for the people of Vilnius since Lithuania’s pre-Christian times. The square is dominated by the stunning 18th-century cathedral, which is believed to sit on a sacred site for pagan worship. Stand back from the cathedral to admire its Palladian-style façades and the sculptures of three saints adorning the cathedral’s roof. The tall bell tower looms high over the cathedral. This towering turret has a neoclassical façade and medieval foundations once part of the ancient Lower Castle.
Investigate the bronze monument to Gediminas, the 14th-century Grand Duke of Lithuania credited with founding the city. Stand over the Magical Stone, a special place dedicated to the Baltic Way political demonstration of 1989. The peaceful event incorporated 1 million people, who joined hands to form a 375-mile-long (600-kilometre) human chain across the Baltic States as a pro-independence movement.
Grab coffee and some Žagarėliai (fried pastry strips) and take a seat in the square to watch locals and visitors going about their day. You might catch a special event in the square, such as a local fair, open-air concert, religious occasion or military parade. A tall Christmas tree is erected here in December. The square is also the site of the city’s public New Year’s salutes and celebrations.
The square, located in the Old Town, is easily accessible on foot or by bus and trolleybus. Enter for free at any time.
Outside Cathedral Square, explore the green parks of Castle Hill. Find the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Gediminas Tower, the National Museum of Lithuania and the Museum of Applied Arts.
