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Castles & palaces

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

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Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Overview

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is a reconstructed residence situated in Vilnius's Lower Castle area. Originally built in the 15th century and expanded across several eras, it functioned as the political and cultural core of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Travellers visit to explore archaeological ruins in the basement, historical exhibitions, and reconstructed state rooms illustrating Lithuania's past.

Getting There

Located in the historic center, the site is reachable on foot from most parts of Vilnius Old Town in about 5 to 10 minutes. Travellers arriving from further afield or Vilnius Airport (VNO) can take local public buses stopping near Cathedral Square.

Time to Spend

Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours to tour the multi-level exhibition routes and archaeological remains.

When to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The galleries can become crowded on weekends and during the peak summer travel season when guided tour groups arrive.

Nearby Attractions

Given its central location, this site can be easily combined with neighboring landmarks:

  • Vilnius Cathedral (0.1 km): The city's main cathedral, located right beside the building.
  • Cathedral Square (0.1 km): The central public plaza immediately adjacent.
  • Gediminas' Tower (0.1 km): Located on the hill directly behind the complex.
  • Vilnius Castle Complex (0.2 km): The surrounding historical defense network.

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

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Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Vilnius 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Vilnius grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Vilnius 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Vilnius grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Vilnius Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius Cathedral stands beside Cathedral Square in the city's Old Town and is regarded as the center of Catholic life in Lithuania. Visitors can get a close look at this historic building, dedicated to two saints.

0.1 km away
Cathedral Square

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square sits at the heart of Vilnius's Old Town, right in front of the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral. It's a lively spot that hosts festivals, concerts, and other events year-round.

0.1 km away
Gediminas' Tower

Castles & palaces

Gediminas' Tower

An old castle tower standing atop Gediminas' Hill in Vilnius. From the observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of both the Old and New Towns, making it one of Lithuania's iconic landmarks.

0.1 km away
Vilnius Castle Complex

Castles & palaces

Vilnius Castle Complex

The Vilnius Castle Complex sits near the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers and was built up between the 10th and 18th centuries. It preserves the history of a major defensive stronghold of Lithuania and is well worth exploring.

0.2 km away
National Museum of Lithuania

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Lithuania

This national museum in Vilnius houses an extensive collection of documents and artifacts. It also oversees archaeological excavations across Lithuania, offering visitors an in-depth look at the country's history.

0.2 km away
Church of St. Johns, Vilnius

Temples & religious sites

Church of St. Johns, Vilnius

This church stands within Vilnius University's campus in the Old Town, clearly standing out among the surrounding buildings. It carries a long history dating back to the Jesuit era, making it worth exploring alongside the campus.

0.3 km away