Temples & religious sites
Church of St. Francis Xavier
Overview
The Church of St. Francis Xavier is a Roman Catholic church located in the Old Town of Kaunas, Lithuania. Built by the Jesuits, construction began in 1666 and concluded in 1720. Travellers visit to examine its late Baroque facade facing Town Hall Square and to understand the area's Jesuit religious history.
Getting There
From the modern city centre along Laisvės Avenue, you can walk westward into the Old Town via pedestrianised Vilniaus Street. The walk directly to Town Hall Square takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Local buses and trolleybuses stop at the edge of the historic district, leaving a 5-minute walk to the entrance.
Time to Allow
Plan to spend roughly 20 to 45 minutes here. This provides sufficient time to observe the exterior architecture from the square and view the interior sanctuary.
When to Visit
Midday and early afternoon provide the best natural light for viewing the exterior and interior architectural elements. The square becomes moderately busy during summer afternoons, while spring and autumn offer quieter visits. Avoid visiting during scheduled worship services to avoid interrupting active congregations.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location on Town Hall Square, you can easily combine a visit with other nearby historic sites:
- Church of Vytautas the Great (0.1km)
- Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum (0.1km)
- Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy (0.2km)
- Kaunas Cathedral Basilica (0.2km)
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors