Pažaislis Monastery
Kauno apskritis
Pažaislis Monastery, located in the Kaunas region of Lithuania, is renowned as one of the finest examples of mature Baroque architecture in Northern and Eastern Europe. Founded in the mid-17th century by Lithuanian Chancellor Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas, the monastery complex features a unique architectural design, including a rare hexagonal church plan and an innovative concave facade. The complex was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Frediani and adorned with sculptures by Lombard artists and frescoes by Florentine painter Michelangelo Palloni. The monastery served as a spiritual center for the Camaldolese monks and has a rich cultural history, including periods of closure and repurposing during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it remains an active monastery maintained by the Sisters of St. Casimir and hosts cultural events such as music festivals and religious celebrations. The surrounding area includes a park, beach, yacht club, and visitor center, making it a multifaceted destination combining spiritual heritage, art, and nature.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit from Tuesday to Friday between 10:00 and 17:00, or on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:30. Mondays are quiet days with no visitor service. It is advisable to check for special closures during Easter week (April 1-6) when the monastery is closed for retreats. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during festival times. The site offers discounts for certain groups; check the official website for details.
Interesting facts
- •Pažaislis Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful examples of mature Baroque architecture in Northern and Eastern Europe.
- •The church features a rare hexagonal plan and a concave facade, a first in European architecture.
- •The monastery was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Frediani and decorated by Lombard sculptors and Florentine painter Michelangelo Palloni.
- •The estate was donated to the Camaldolese monks by Lithuanian Chancellor Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas in 1664.
- •The monastery was closed after the 1831 uprising and given to Orthodox monks by order of Tsar Nicholas I.
- •During Soviet times, the monastery was used as a psychiatric hospital from 1951 to 1964.
- •The remains of the Pacas family founders were returned to the monastery in 2001.
History
The Pažaislis estate was first mentioned in the mid-17th century and was purchased in 1664 by Chancellor Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas, who donated it to the Camaldolese monks.
Construction of the monastery began soon after, with the cornerstone of the stone church laid in 1667.
The complex was completed over 12 years, involving notable Italian architects and artists.
After the 1831 uprising, the monastery was closed by Tsar Nicholas I and handed over to Orthodox monks.
In 1920, the Sisters of St.
Casimir from Chicago settled there.
During the Soviet era, the site served as a psychiatric hospital before returning to religious use.
In 2001, the remains of the Pacas family were reinterred at the monastery.
Place Guide
Monastery ChurchLate 17th century
The central church is notable for its unique hexagonal plan and concave facade. It houses magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo Palloni, which depict religious themes designed to inspire worship and spiritual reflection.
Monastery Complex1664–1676
The entire monastery complex is a masterpiece of mature Baroque architecture, featuring symmetrical axial composition and elaborate sculptural decorations by Lombard masters. It includes monks' cells, gardens, and a park area adjacent to the Kaunas Reservoir.
Pacas Family CryptLate 17th century
Located in the church’s crypt, it contains the remains of the monastery’s founder Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas and his wife Klara Genovefa Izabelė de Maiji Laskaris. The crypt symbolizes the historical patronage and legacy of the monastery.
Contact
Phone: (0-37) 458868
