About the Church
The Holy Spirit Church in Vilnius, often called the Dominican Church of Vilnius, is one of the most striking and historically significant places of worship in the Old Town of Vilnius. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages, and its architecture and interior decoration reveal a rich artistic heritage.
The first church or chapel on this site is thought to have been built as early as 1323. Later, in 1408, construction began on a Gothic church, which was enlarged in 1441 and became a parish church. On the initiative of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander, a masonry church was built here in 1501 and handed over to the Dominican monastery, which was based nearby at the time.
Unfortunately, the fires that ravaged the city in the 18th century did not spare this place of worship either. In 1610 and 1655 fire severely devastated the church and the monastery, but they were rebuilt and reconstructed in 1679–1688. This work was carried out chiefly under the prior of the monastery, Mykolas Vainilavičius. In later years still, after numerous further fires, the church was completely rebuilt and extended by 1770 – its towers, dome, choir, altars and portal took on a new appearance.
In 1812, during Napoleon's invasion, the interior of the church was devastated and its most valuable liturgical items taken. The church was repaired again only in 1813–1815. In 1844 the monastery was closed and the church became a parish church. Various city institutions were set up in the monastery premises, including a prison in which participants of the 1863 uprising were held.
Human remains, believed to be victims of wars or epidemics, survive in the church's crypts. In 2011 the mummies kept in the crypts were examined by a team of anthropologists and archaeologists led by Professor Rimantas Jankauskas. They found 23 mummies, including men, women and children.
The church is a fine example of late Baroque architecture. It is built on a Latin-cross plan, with two towers and an elliptical dome. Inside there are three naves, separated by piers and covered with cylindrical vaults. Particular attention is drawn by its 16 altars and its 18th-century organ, considered one of the oldest in Lithuania.
The Holy Spirit Church in Vilnius not only astonishes with its beauty and architecture but also tells of the city's long and complex history, in which religious, cultural and social threads intertwine.
The first church or chapel on this site is thought to have been built as early as 1323. Later, in 1408, construction began on a Gothic church, which was enlarged in 1441 and became a parish church. On the initiative of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander, a masonry church was built here in 1501 and handed over to the Dominican monastery, which was based nearby at the time.
Unfortunately, the fires that ravaged the city in the 18th century did not spare this place of worship either. In 1610 and 1655 fire severely devastated the church and the monastery, but they were rebuilt and reconstructed in 1679–1688. This work was carried out chiefly under the prior of the monastery, Mykolas Vainilavičius. In later years still, after numerous further fires, the church was completely rebuilt and extended by 1770 – its towers, dome, choir, altars and portal took on a new appearance.
In 1812, during Napoleon's invasion, the interior of the church was devastated and its most valuable liturgical items taken. The church was repaired again only in 1813–1815. In 1844 the monastery was closed and the church became a parish church. Various city institutions were set up in the monastery premises, including a prison in which participants of the 1863 uprising were held.
Human remains, believed to be victims of wars or epidemics, survive in the church's crypts. In 2011 the mummies kept in the crypts were examined by a team of anthropologists and archaeologists led by Professor Rimantas Jankauskas. They found 23 mummies, including men, women and children.
The church is a fine example of late Baroque architecture. It is built on a Latin-cross plan, with two towers and an elliptical dome. Inside there are three naves, separated by piers and covered with cylindrical vaults. Particular attention is drawn by its 16 altars and its 18th-century organ, considered one of the oldest in Lithuania.
The Holy Spirit Church in Vilnius not only astonishes with its beauty and architecture but also tells of the city's long and complex history, in which religious, cultural and social threads intertwine.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Vilniaus Šventosios Dvasios (Dominikonų) bažnyčia, vienuolynas ir miesto panorama.
Vilniaus Šventosios Dvasios (dominikonų) bažnyčia – baroko stiliaus pastatas. Bažnyčios interjere gausu meno kūrinių. Vaizde – netoli pagrindinio įėjimo, ant vidurinės navos pilioriaus, Lietuvos didžiojo kunigaikščio Aleksandro nuodėmklausio klebono Mykolo Korčako portretas.
Aprašė Aldona Rudzevičienė