Church of All Saints

What to expect

Tucked onto Rūdninkų Street in the southern reaches of Vilnius Old Town, the Church of All Saints (Visų Šventųjų bažnyčia) is one of the city's earliest Baroque churches, built in the first half of the 17th century near the site of the former Rūdininkai city gate and later attached to a Carmelite monastery. Where many Old Town churches draw crowds, this one stays calm and uncrowded, which is much of its charm.

Inside, visitors are met by a splendid Baroque and Rococo interior: numerous altars, religious paintings and ornate 18th-century sculpture, with a tall main altar set beneath a decorative canopy. The mood is consistently described as peaceful, cosy and contemplative, a tranquil pause from the busier streets nearby.

• Atmosphere: quiet, contemplative, rarely crowded

Music and acoustics

The church is especially prized for its acoustics. Choir performances and organ music sound at their best here, and the ground floor in particular carries sound beautifully, so it is worth timing a visit around a service or concert if you can. As an active parish, it also hosts community programmes and religious services, with titular indulgences celebrated on All Saints' Day.

Note that parts of the building have shown their age and have needed renovation, and opening hours can be limited outside of services, so check access times before making a special trip.

Nearby in the Old Town

The Church of All Saints sits within easy walking distance of the heart of the Old Town, making it an easy add-on to a wider sacred-architecture wander. Pair it with the grander churches near Town Hall Square and the university quarter.