Raduškevičius Palace, Vilnius: Comprehensive Visitor Guide (2025)

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Raduškevičius Palace stands as one of Vilnius’s most distinguished architectural treasures, embodying the city’s transition from a Baroque-dominated landscape to a more eclectic, modern urban fabric in the late 19th century. Commissioned by Dr. Hilary Raduškevičius, a renowned Lithuanian physician and philanthropist, and constructed between 1894 and 1897, the palace is a testament to Vilnius’s history of intellectual, medical, and cultural achievement. Today, its Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance features, rich event calendar, and community-focused role make it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and cultural travelers alike (Vilnius Tourism).

This in-depth guide provides everything you need to plan a meaningful visit, including history, architectural highlights, practical visitor information, travel tips, and recommendations for nearby attractions.

Contents

Historical Overview

Origins and Early History

Raduškevičius Palace was commissioned by Dr. Hilary Raduškevičius and designed by architect Julian Januszewski. The palace’s construction (1894–1897) coincided with Vilnius’s rapid urban growth under the Russian Empire. Its location—Kalvarijų g. 1, on the right bank of the Neris River—placed it at the edge of the city’s historic core, providing both tranquility and proximity to Vilnius’s professional and social life.

Dr. Raduškevičius, a figure of Lithuanian-Polish noble descent, was lauded for his medical and philanthropic contributions. The palace doubled as his family residence and medical practice, quickly becoming a symbol of the city’s emerging professional class.


Architectural Highlights

The palace is a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Vilnius, a style rare in a city famed for Baroque and Renaissance edifices. Notable features include:

  • Red brickwork with pointed arches and lancet windows
  • A commanding central tower and symmetrical wings
  • Decorative turrets and crenellated parapets reminiscent of medieval fortresses
  • Ornamental details such as stained glass, wood paneling, and period plasterwork inside

The palace’s gardens, originally landscaped for social gatherings, further reinforce its status as a hub of Vilnius’s elite in the early 20th century (Vilnius Tourism).


Noteworthy Events and Transformations

Following Dr. Raduškevičius’s death in 1910, the palace’s ownership and function shifted multiple times, reflecting Vilnius’s turbulent 20th-century history. During the Soviet occupation, the building was nationalized and used by institutions such as the Lithuanian Society of the Blind and Visually Impaired, resulting in interior alterations and periods of neglect.

Post-independence, extensive restoration was completed in 2004, carefully preserving Neo-Gothic elements while improving accessibility. Today, the palace houses the Lithuanian Medical Association, continuing its legacy as a center for social and professional engagement (Vilnius City Municipality).


Role in Vilnius’s Heritage

Raduškevičius Palace stands apart from Vilnius’s medieval and Baroque icons, marking the city’s late-19th-century modernization. Its unique style and associations with scientific and civic progress have made it a focal point for cultural events, exhibitions, and heritage education. The palace is a frequent subject in city walking tours and guides, and its riverside setting offers picturesque views and easy access to the Old Town (Go Vilnius, explorecity.life).


Visiting Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

  • Hours: Typically open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Hours may vary during special events.
  • Admission: Standard exhibitions are free or cost €3–€5. Some events require advance registration or tickets.
  • Guided Tours: Tours in Lithuanian, English, and Russian are available by advance booking. These provide rich context on architecture, history, and the life of Dr. Raduškevičius.
  • Accessibility: The palace is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators. Some historical areas like the central tower may have limited access.

Always consult the official website for the latest schedules and ticketing policies (Lithuanian Medical Association).


Directions & Nearby Attractions

Address: Kalvarijų g. 1 (sometimes listed as Gedimino pr. 1), Vilnius

  • Public Transport: Served by several bus/trolleybus lines; nearest stop is Kalvarijų gatvė.
  • By Foot: Approximately 15 minutes from Vilnius Old Town and Cathedral Square.
  • Nearby Sites:
    • Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • Green Bridge
    • Bernardine Gardens
    • Vilnius Castle Complex
    • Užupis artistic district

Special Events & Photographic Spots

The palace’s red-brick façade, turrets, and riverside setting make it a favorite for photographers, especially during the golden hour. Cultural events—art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and city festivals—frequently take place here, especially during Vilnius’s annual City Fiesta and Light Festival (lithuania.travel).


Visitor Tips & FAQs

Tips:

  • Check the palace’s event calendar and book tours early.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a full day’s itinerary.
  • Photography is encouraged outside; confirm interior policies for each event.
  • The palace is partially accessible; call ahead for special needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: What are the visiting hours?
    A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays/public holidays.

  • Q: How much are tickets?
    A: Entry is usually free or €3–€5, with discounts for students, seniors, and children under 7.

  • Q: Are guided tours available in English?
    A: Yes, book in advance.

  • Q: Is the palace fully wheelchair accessible?
    A: Most public areas are accessible; some historical sections may have limited access.

  • Q: Can I take photos?
    A: Yes, though restrictions may apply during some exhibitions.


Preservation & Contemporary Significance

Raduškevičius Palace is a case study in adaptive reuse and heritage preservation. Its restoration reflects Vilnius’s commitment to maintaining historic character while providing modern accessibility and community resources. Now the seat of the Lithuanian Medical Association and a vibrant venue for the arts, the palace continues its tradition of public service, education, and cultural exchange (explorecity.life).


Plan Your Visit

  • For latest schedules, tickets, and events:
    Visit the Vilnius Tourism portal and Lithuanian Medical Association.
  • Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and event notifications.
  • Follow Raduškevičius Palace on social media for real-time updates.
  • Combine your visit with other Vilnius historical sites for a deeper experience.

Sources


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Vilnius

Adam Mickiewicz Museum
Adam Mickiewicz Museum
Antakalnis Manor
Antakalnis Manor
Apostolic Nunciature To Lithuania
Apostolic Nunciature To Lithuania
Astronomical Observatory Of Vilnius University
Astronomical Observatory Of Vilnius University
Aušros Vartų Street
Aušros Vartų Street
Bernardine Cemetery
Bernardine Cemetery
Botanical Garden Of Vilnius University
Botanical Garden Of Vilnius University
Brzostowski Palace
Brzostowski Palace
Castle Hill
Castle Hill
Cathedral Of The Theotokos, Vilnius
Cathedral Of The Theotokos, Vilnius
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square
Center For Health Education And Diseases Prevention
Center For Health Education And Diseases Prevention
Chapel Of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Vilnius
Chapel Of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Vilnius
Chapel Of Saint Casimir
Chapel Of Saint Casimir
Chodkevičiai Palace
Chodkevičiai Palace
Choral Synagogue Of Vilnius
Choral Synagogue Of Vilnius
Church And Monastery Of The Holy Trinity, Vilnius
Church And Monastery Of The Holy Trinity, Vilnius
Church Heritage Museum In Vilnius
Church Heritage Museum In Vilnius
Church Of All Saints, Vilnius
Church Of All Saints, Vilnius
Church Of Ascension In Vilnius
Church Of Ascension In Vilnius
Church Of Blessed Virgin Mary Of Consolation, Vilnius
Church Of Blessed Virgin Mary Of Consolation, Vilnius
Church Of Jesus The Redeemer, Vilnius
Church Of Jesus The Redeemer, Vilnius
Church Of Saint Stephen In Vilnius
Church Of Saint Stephen In Vilnius
Church Of St. Anne, Vilnius
Church Of St. Anne, Vilnius
Church Of St. Bartholomew, Vilnius
Church Of St. Bartholomew, Vilnius
Church Of St. Casimir, Vilnius
Church Of St. Casimir, Vilnius
Church Of St. Catherine
Church Of St. Catherine
Church Of St. Francis And St. Bernard
Church Of St. Francis And St. Bernard
Church Of St. George
Church Of St. George
Church Of St. Ignatius, Vilnius
Church Of St. Ignatius, Vilnius
Church Of St. John Bosco, Vilnius
Church Of St. John Bosco, Vilnius
Church Of St. Johns, Vilnius
Church Of St. Johns, Vilnius
Church Of St. Joseph The Betrothed
Church Of St. Joseph The Betrothed
Church Of St. Michael, Vilnius
Church Of St. Michael, Vilnius
Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul, Vilnius
Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul, Vilnius
Church Of St. Philip And St. Jacob, Vilnius
Church Of St. Philip And St. Jacob, Vilnius
Church Of St. Raphael In Vilnius
Church Of St. Raphael In Vilnius
Church Of St. Theresa
Church Of St. Theresa
Church Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Vilnius
Church Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Vilnius
Church Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen Of Peace, Naujoji Vilnia
Church Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen Of Peace, Naujoji Vilnia
Church Of The Discovery Of The Holy Cross, Vilnius
Church Of The Discovery Of The Holy Cross, Vilnius
Church Of The Holy Cross, Vilnius
Church Of The Holy Cross, Vilnius
Church Of The Holy Trinity In Trinapolis
Church Of The Holy Trinity In Trinapolis
Church Of The Immaculate Conception In Vilnius
Church Of The Immaculate Conception In Vilnius
Church Of The Providence Of God In Vilnius
Church Of The Providence Of God In Vilnius
Church Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Vilnius
Church Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Vilnius
City Wall Of Vilnius
City Wall Of Vilnius
Contemporary Art Centre
Contemporary Art Centre
Didžioji Street
Didžioji Street
Divine Mercy Sanctuary In Vilnius
Divine Mercy Sanctuary In Vilnius
Dominican Church Of The Holy Spirit
Dominican Church Of The Holy Spirit
Embassy Of France, Vilnius
Embassy Of France, Vilnius
Embassy Of Germany, Vilnius
Embassy Of Germany, Vilnius
Embassy Of Japan, Vilnius
Embassy Of Japan, Vilnius
Embassy Of Ukraine, Vilnius
Embassy Of Ukraine, Vilnius
Euphrosyne Cemetery In Vilnius
Euphrosyne Cemetery In Vilnius
Europa Tower
Europa Tower
Evangelical Lutheran Church In Vilnius
Evangelical Lutheran Church In Vilnius
Evangelical Reformed Church In Vilnius
Evangelical Reformed Church In Vilnius
Frank Zappa Memorial
Frank Zappa Memorial
Gate Of Dawn
Gate Of Dawn
|
  Gediminas' Tower
| Gediminas' Tower
General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy Of Lithuania
General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy Of Lithuania
Great Synagogue Of Vilna
Great Synagogue Of Vilna
Green Bridge
Green Bridge
Holy Spirit Monastery, Vilnius
Holy Spirit Monastery, Vilnius
House Of The Signatories
House Of The Signatories
Imperial University Of Vilna
Imperial University Of Vilna
Ism University Of Management And Economics
Ism University Of Management And Economics
Jewish Cemeteries Of Vilnius
Jewish Cemeteries Of Vilnius
Kailis Forced Labor Camp
Kailis Forced Labor Camp
Kairėnai Cemetery
Kairėnai Cemetery
Kazimieras Simonavičius University
Kazimieras Simonavičius University
Keistuolių Teatras
Keistuolių Teatras
Laisves Avenue
Laisves Avenue
Lff Stadium
Lff Stadium
Lithuanian Academy Of Music And Theatre
Lithuanian Academy Of Music And Theatre
Lithuanian Art Museum
Lithuanian Art Museum
Lithuanian National Drama Theatre
Lithuanian National Drama Theatre
Lithuanian National Opera And Ballet Theatre
Lithuanian National Opera And Ballet Theatre
Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society
Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society
Lithuanian University Of Educational Sciences
Lithuanian University Of Educational Sciences
Liubarto Bridge
Liubarto Bridge
Łopaciński Palace In Vilnius
Łopaciński Palace In Vilnius
Lopacinskiai Palace (Bernardinai St.)
Lopacinskiai Palace (Bernardinai St.)
Lukiškės Mosque
Lukiškės Mosque
Lukiškės Prison
Lukiškės Prison
Lukiškės Square
Lukiškės Square
Martynas Mažvydas National Library Of Lithuania
Martynas Mažvydas National Library Of Lithuania
Mary Magdalene Monastery
Mary Magdalene Monastery
Mindaugas Bridge
Mindaugas Bridge
Minor Radvilos Palace
Minor Radvilos Palace
Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights
Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights
Mykolas Romeris University
Mykolas Romeris University
National Museum Of Lithuania
National Museum Of Lithuania
Naujoji Vilnia Train Station
Naujoji Vilnia Train Station
New Arsenal
New Arsenal
|
  Office Of The Chargé D'Affaires Of The People'S Republic Of China In The Republic Of Lithuania
| Office Of The Chargé D'Affaires Of The People'S Republic Of China In The Republic Of Lithuania
Oginski Palace
Oginski Palace
Old Arsenal
Old Arsenal
Old Believers Church In Vilnius
Old Believers Church In Vilnius
Old Theatre Of Vilnius
Old Theatre Of Vilnius
Oro Uostas
Oro Uostas
Orthodox Church Of Saint Catherine In Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of Saint Catherine In Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of Saint Euphrosyne In Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of Saint Euphrosyne In Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of St. Michael And St. Constantine
Orthodox Church Of St. Michael And St. Constantine
Orthodox Church Of St. Michael, Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of St. Michael, Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul, Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul, Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of The Holy Spirit, Vilnius
Orthodox Church Of The Holy Spirit, Vilnius
Our Lady Of The Sign Church
Our Lady Of The Sign Church
Pac Palace
Pac Palace
Palace Of The Grand Dukes Of Lithuania
Palace Of The Grand Dukes Of Lithuania
Paneriai Tunnel
Paneriai Tunnel
Pavilnys Regional Park
Pavilnys Regional Park
Pohulanka Theater
Pohulanka Theater
Presidential Palace Of Lithuania
Presidential Palace Of Lithuania
Protestant Cemetery, Vilnius
Protestant Cemetery, Vilnius
Pūčkoriai Manor
Pūčkoriai Manor
Pūčkoriai Outcrop
Pūčkoriai Outcrop
Pylimo Street
Pylimo Street
Raduškevičius Palace
Raduškevičius Palace
Radvila Palace
Radvila Palace
Railway Museum In Lithuania
Railway Museum In Lithuania
Rasos Cemetery
Rasos Cemetery
Rokantiškės Castle
Rokantiškės Castle
Saint Tikhon Of Zadonsk Chapel In Vilnius
Saint Tikhon Of Zadonsk Chapel In Vilnius
Sapieha Palace
Sapieha Palace
Savanorių Avenue
Savanorių Avenue
Seimas Palace
Seimas Palace
Senamiestis Eldership
Senamiestis Eldership
Slushko Palace
Slushko Palace
Šnipiškės Eldership
Šnipiškės Eldership
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
St. George Chapel In Vilnius
St. George Chapel In Vilnius
St. Nicholas Church, Vilnius
St. Nicholas Church, Vilnius
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
St. Paraskeva Church
St. Paraskeva Church
Šuazeliai Palace
Šuazeliai Palace
Taiwan Representative Office In Lithuania
Taiwan Representative Office In Lithuania
Three Crosses
Three Crosses
Tiškevičiai Palace
Tiškevičiai Palace
Town Hall, Vilnius
Town Hall, Vilnius
Trakų Vokė Manor
Trakų Vokė Manor
Tuskulėnai Manor
Tuskulėnai Manor
Twinsbet Arena
Twinsbet Arena
Tyzenhaus Palace
Tyzenhaus Palace
Verkiai Palace
Verkiai Palace
Vileišis Palace
Vileišis Palace
Vilniaus Street
Vilniaus Street
Vilnius Academy Of Art
Vilnius Academy Of Art
Vilnius Airport
Vilnius Airport
Vilnius Bus Station
Vilnius Bus Station
Vilnius Castle Complex
Vilnius Castle Complex
Vilnius Cathedral
Vilnius Cathedral
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Vilnius Kenesa
Vilnius Kenesa
Vilnius Palace Of Concerts And Sports
Vilnius Palace Of Concerts And Sports
Vilnius St. Joseph Seminary
Vilnius St. Joseph Seminary
Vilnius Town Hall Square
Vilnius Town Hall Square
Vilnius Tv Tower
Vilnius Tv Tower
Vilnius University
Vilnius University
Vilnius University Central Campus
Vilnius University Central Campus
Vilnius University Faculty Of Communication
Vilnius University Faculty Of Communication
Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos
Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos
Vilnius University International Business School
Vilnius University International Business School
Vilnius University Planetarium
Vilnius University Planetarium
Vinco Kudirkos Square
Vinco Kudirkos Square
Vingis Park
Vingis Park
Vokiečių Street
Vokiečių Street
White Bridge
White Bridge
Wilno Belarusian Museum
Wilno Belarusian Museum
Wroblewski Library Of The Lithuanian Academy Of Sciences
Wroblewski Library Of The Lithuanian Academy Of Sciences
Youth Theater
Youth Theater
Žalgiris Stadium
Žalgiris Stadium
Zamelis Synagogue
Zamelis Synagogue