Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

What to expect

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Valdovų rūmai) stands at Katedros a. 4, right beside the Cathedral, on the site of the residence that was home to Lithuania's rulers for centuries before it was demolished in the 19th century. The current building is a careful reconstruction, opened as part of the National Museum, and it is widely praised as a modern, clearly organised place to get to grips with the country's history — from late Gothic through Renaissance and early Baroque.

Visits are built around four distinct routes, so you can go deep or keep it focused. Broadly, one route covers the palace's history through archaeological finds, models and the authentic excavated foundations; another presents restored ceremonial and representative halls in historical styles; another covers fortifications, weaponry and the treasury; and a fourth hosts major temporary exhibitions. Highlights include panoramic city views from the tower and the depth of the collections. Many visitors recommend allowing three to four hours to see everything — pace yourself, or pick the routes that interest you most.

Good to know

The museum is closed on Mondays and admits its last visitors an hour before closing, so check the current opening hours and ticket options before you go — tickets are sold per route, with a discounted combined ticket for all four routes and reductions for students, seniors and families. There are strict rules about leaving bags and coats in the cloakroom, which is normal for a museum of this kind. Its central position beside Cathedral Square makes it a natural pairing with the Cathedral, the bell tower and a climb up to Gediminas Castle.