Kauno Švč. M. Marijos Apsilankymo pas Elzbietą bažnyčia

The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth in Kaunas, often simply called the Pažaislis church, is an impressive Baroque architectural work located at Pažaislis, on the peninsula of the Kaunas Reservoir. This church and monastery complex is one of the finest of its kind in Lithuania, renowned for its history, architecture and artistic treasures.

The church's history begins in the 17th century, when the Grand Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, bought the Pažaislis manor in 1664 from Samuelis Oborskis, a judge of the Kaunas land court, and donated it to the Camaldolese monks. He also undertook to provide substantial funds for the monks' upkeep. The present church was built in 1667–1674 to a design by the Italian architect Džiovanis Batista Fredianis. The church's dome and interior are decorated with stucco mouldings created by Džovanis Merlis, while the frescoes were painted by Mykolas Arkangelas Palonis. The sculptor Mikalojus Volšeidas carved four sculptures for the Great Gate and a group composition for the church's facade.

The church is important not only for its architectural significance but also for its historical past. In the 18th century it became a witness to uprisings and political struggles. After the 1831 uprising the Pažaislis monastery was closed and handed over to the Orthodox clergy, and throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century it changed hands and uses several times: from an Orthodox church to a hospital for German soldiers during the First World War.

In the 20th century, after long and complicated periods of use, including the establishment of a psychoneurological hospital during the Soviet era, the Pažaislis complex was returned to the Sisters of St Casimir in 1992. Since then religious rites have again been held here and the monastery has been in operation.

Architecturally the church at Pažaislis is unique for its central section, which has a hexagonal plan – a rare solution in Baroque architecture. The interior is richly decorated with mouldings and frescoes, yet this ornamentation does not overwhelm the architecture but complements it harmoniously.

Without doubt, the church at Pažaislis is not only a place of religious worship but also a treasury of cultural, historical and artistic value, drawing both the faithful and lovers of history and architecture.