The spirit of the Baroque

The baroque era in Lithuania is reflected in many monuments and instances of Vilnius - the center at that time of multinational and multireligious Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Vilnius is famous by its churches - there were 38 churches in the city at the beginning of this century. The interior or exterior many of these churches reflected specific or common features of baroque.

The old campus of Vilnius University is situated in the downtown of Vilnius, consisting of 13 complex buildings around 13 courtyards, St.John's Church and the Belfry.

Buildings and courtyards of the University, Old campus.

Great courtyard of the University, 1786. Graphic work by Franciszek Smuglewicz

The great courtyard of the University of Vilnius, 1850

The great courtyard in recent days
(the hall-like, tri-nave gothic church of St. John was reconstructed in a late baroque style)

Designed by Dr. A. Juozapavicius