Olizary Palace in Vilnius with historical architecture

Lopacinskiai Palace (Bernardinai St.)

Lopacinskiai Palace: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Vilnius, Lithuania

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Lopacinskiai Palace, situated on Bernardinų Street in Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town, stands as a distinguished symbol of Lithuania’s aristocratic legacy and the city’s evolving architectural landscape. Constructed in the late 17th or early 18th century and reimagined by renowned Baroque architect Johann Christoph Glaubitz in the mid-18th century, the palace showcases a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Over centuries, it has transitioned from a noble residence and Enlightenment-era salon to an administrative hub and, more recently, a vibrant cultural venue.

Today, Lopacinskiai Palace attracts visitors with its ornate façade, trapezoidal layout, and semi-enclosed courtyard while serving as a venue for exhibitions, guided tours, and special events. Its central location places it within easy reach of Vilnius landmarks like Bernardine Church, Vilnius University, and St. Anne’s Church. This guide presents all essential details for planning your visit, including Lopacinskiai Palace visiting hours, ticket information, accessibility, and in-depth historical context (Go Vilnius, ldkistorija.lt, Wikiwand).

Olizary Palace in Vilnius Lithuania historic elegant architecture

Olizary Palace in Vilnius, historic architecture with elegant facade under blue sky

Olizary Palace in Vilnius with classical architecture

Historic Bernardynskaja Street in Vilnia featuring the Łapacinski Palace

Origins and Early Development
Architectural Evolution
Historical Role and Social Significance
19th–20th Century Changes
Restoration and Modern Function
Visiting Lopacinskiai Palace: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Events
Facilities and Visitor Experience
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Architectural Highlights
FAQs
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Early Development

Lopacinskiai Palace originated as a noble residence in the late 17th or early 18th century, commissioned by the Lopacinskiai family, prominent figures of Ruthenian-Lithuanian descent. Its location near the Bernardine Church and Monastery reflected both the family’s status and Vilnius’ urban growth during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Go Vilnius).

Architectural Evolution

Initially, the palace showcased Baroque features—ornate stucco, grand staircases, and elaborate interiors—befitting its noble owners. After a devastating fire in 1748, Mikołaj Tadeusz Łopaciński acquired the property and enlisted Johann Christoph Glaubitz, a master of the Vilnius Baroque style, to redesign it. Glaubitz’s work introduced a two-storey structure with a trapezoidal plan and semi-enclosed courtyard, seamlessly blending Baroque and emerging Neoclassical elements (ldkistorija.lt). Later 19th-century modifications, including a high, stepped roof and curved street-facing façade, further reflect the evolution of Vilnius architecture (Wikiwand).

Throughout its history, Lopacinskiai Palace has been closely tied to Vilnius’ intellectual and cultural life. During the Enlightenment and the national revival, it hosted salons frequented by the nobility, intellectuals, and clergy. Subsequent owners, including the Kossakowski and Olizaras families, maintained its status as a hub for social gatherings and, for a period in the early 19th century, a Masonic lodge (Wikiwand). The palace adapted to shifting political realities during the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and under Russian imperial rule (Adventure Backpack).

19th–20th Century Changes

In the 19th century, the palace’s role expanded from noble residence to administrative and educational uses, reflecting Vilnius’ changing governance. During the Soviet era, it was subdivided into apartments and repurposed for civic needs. Between 1967 and 1975, architect Aldona Svabauskienė led renovations that respected historical character while introducing modern amenities (Lithuania Travel).

Restoration and Modern Function

Since Lithuanian independence in 1990, extensive restoration has aimed to preserve the palace’s historical integrity while supporting contemporary uses. It now houses the boutique hotel “Šekspyras,” as well as hosting exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs. This adaptive reuse allows visitors to directly experience the palace’s unique atmosphere (cityseeker.com).

Visiting Lopacinskiai Palace: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: The palace is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; hotel guests have 24-hour access to certain areas. Opening hours may vary during special events—check with the Vilnius Tourist Information Centre or the hotel’s website for the latest details.
Tickets: Admission to public spaces is approximately €5–€6 per person, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours and special exhibitions require separate tickets (typically €5–€10). Entry is free for hotel guests.
Accessibility: The palace offers wheelchair access via ramps and elevators. Some historic areas may have limited accessibility; contact staff in advance for assistance.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided Tours: Offered daily at set times (typically 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM), guided tours provide in-depth historical and architectural context. Tours are available in Lithuanian, English, and Russian. Audio guides and thematic tours can be arranged upon request.
Special Events: The palace regularly hosts concerts, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and open-air performances, particularly during Vilnius’s cultural festivals. Event schedules are posted on-site and online (eventseeker.com).

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Amenities: The palace features a gift shop, cloakroom, lockers, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout public areas. Vending machines provide snacks and beverages; nearby cafes along Bernardinų Street offer more substantial dining options.
Photography: Non-commercial photography is permitted in most areas, but flash and tripods may be restricted to protect sensitive interiors. Always check signage or consult staff.
Family-friendly: Interactive exhibits and occasional children’s workshops make the palace welcoming for families. Strollers are allowed in most areas.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Lopacinskiai Palace’s central Old Town location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Vilnius’ historic sites, including:

Bernardine Church and Gardens
St. Anne’s Church
Vilnius University
The Presidential Palace
The bohemian Užupis district

Travel Tips:

Reach the palace by foot or public transport; parking in Old Town is limited.
Wear comfortable shoes due to cobblestone streets.
Weekday mornings are quieter, while summer months see higher visitor numbers.
Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby gardens or cultural districts (worldwildschooling.com).

Architectural Highlights

Façade and Layout: The Baroque façade features symmetrical pilasters, decorative cornices, and large sash windows. The high, stepped roof and curved alignment along Bernardinų Street add distinction.
Courtyard: The semi-enclosed, trapezoidal courtyard exemplifies aristocratic design, blending privacy and elegance.
Interiors: While many original features have been adapted, visitors can still appreciate grand staircases, stucco ceilings, and the spatial hierarchy of noble residences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lopacinskiai Palace’s opening hours?
A: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; last admission at 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays and select public holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Standard adult admission is €5–€6; discounts are available for students, seniors, and children. Guided tours and special events have separate pricing.

Q: Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, main areas are accessible via ramps and elevators; some historic sections may have limitations.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages, with advance booking recommended.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Yes, but flash and tripods may be restricted; observe posted guidelines.

Contact Information and Resources

For up-to-date information on Lopacinskiai Palace visiting hours, tickets, and events, visit:

Group tours, educational programs, and private events should be arranged in advance with palace administration.

Visuals and Media

Summary and Visitor Tips

Lopacinskiai Palace is an essential stop for anyone interested in Vilnius’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Its transformation from aristocratic residence to cultural venue and boutique hotel mirrors the city’s resilience and vibrancy. With accessible visiting hours, affordable tickets, multilingual tours, and central location, it caters to a wide range of visitors. For the best experience, plan ahead by checking official resources or downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and cultural updates.