St. Paraskeva Church

St. Paraskeva Church Vilnius: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

St. Paraskeva Church, located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, stands as a significant symbol of Lithuania’s Orthodox Christian heritage and cultural diversity. As one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox churches in the country, its origins trace back to the mid-14th century during the reign of Grand Duke Algirdas and his Orthodox wife, Maria of Vitebsk. Over the centuries, the church has witnessed political, architectural, and religious transformations that have deeply shaped Vilnius’ identity. Today, it serves as both an active place of worship and a historical monument, inviting visitors to explore its sacred interiors, unique architecture, and vibrant community life. This guide provides essential information on visiting hours, entry, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions to help you make the most of your visit.

For more details, consult the official Vilnius Tourism website and the Orthodox Church in Lithuania.

St. Parasceve Orthodox Church in Vilnius exterior view

Pilies gatve main street in Vilnius old town with historic buildings and outdoor cafes

Russian Orthodox Church of St. Parasceve in Vilnius

Three memorial plaques on the wall of St. Parasceve Russian Orthodox Church in Vilnius

Memorial plaque on the wall of St. Parasceve Russian Orthodox Church in Vilnius commemorating Tsar Peter I's visit in 1705

Memorial plaque on the wall of St. Parasceve Russian Orthodox Church in Vilnius

Memorial plaque on the wall of St. Parasceve Orthodox Church in Vilnius

Memorial plaque on the wall of St. Parasceve Russian Orthodox Church in Vilnius highlighting the restoration committee

Vilnia street corner of vulica Vialikaja and vulica Savič showing the Church of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, demolished in the 19th century

Vilnia street Vialikaja with Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in 1864

Historic street view of Vilnia with the Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in 1882

Vilnia city street Vialikaja with Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in early 20th century

Vilnia street Vialikaja with the Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in early 20th century

Vilnia street Vialikaja with Church of Saint Paraskevi Pyatnitsy in Vilnia under Moscow reconstruction

Vilnia city street Vialikaja with Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in Moscow Baroque style on June 7 1938

Historic view of Vilnia, Great Street with the Church of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in Vilnia, Belarus 1938

Historical photo of Vilnia Great Street in 1938 showing the Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa

Street view of Vilnia with the Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in the background, historic wooden buildings in Moscow style reconstruction

Intersection of Vialikaja and Savič streets in Vilnia with the Church of Saint Paraskevi Piatnitsy after Moscow reconstruction

Historic view of the intersection of Vialikaja and Savich streets in Vilnia, featuring the Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa

Intersection of Vialikaja and Savič streets in Vilnia with the ruined Church of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa in 1864

Early Origins and Historical Foundations
Architectural Evolution and Restoration
Religious and Cultural Significance
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Special Events
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Photography Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Early Origins and Historical Foundations

St. Paraskeva Church was originally established in 1345, likely on the initiative of Grand Duke Algirdas, whose marriage to Maria of Vitebsk played an important role in the spread of Orthodox Christianity in Lithuania. The first church was built in wood and dedicated to St. Paraskeva of Iconium, reflecting the close religious and cultural ties between Lithuania and the Orthodox Slavic world (Vilnius Tourism, Orthodox Wiki).

The church underwent significant rebuilding after fires in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Its location and prominence made it a focal point for the Orthodox community during periods of both religious tolerance and tension. The church’s historical significance was heightened in 1705 when Tsar Peter the Great attended the baptism of Abram Petrovich Gannibal, a notable figure connected to Russian and European history (Pushkin Museum).

Architectural Evolution and Restoration

From its original wooden form, St. Paraskeva Church was rebuilt in stone in the 16th century, incorporating Gothic features. The most influential reconstruction occurred in 1864 under Russian Imperial rule, adopting the Russian Revival style characterized by red brickwork, onion domes, and ornate arches (Russian Revival Architecture). Architect Nikolai Chagin’s design blended Neo-Byzantine elements, making the church stand out among Vilnius’ predominantly Baroque and Gothic cityscape (Vilnius Heritage).

The church’s façade features a symmetrical composition, arched portals, and decorative brick patterns. Its central onion dome, flanked by four smaller domes, is topped with gilded Orthodox crosses. Inside, visitors will find a compact nave, a richly decorated iconostasis, frescoes, and traditional Orthodox iconography (Orthodox Wiki).

During the Soviet era, the church was closed and repurposed, resulting in deterioration. Restoration efforts after Lithuanian independence in the 1990s focused on repairing the exterior, restoring the iconostasis, and conserving the frescoes (Vilnius Tourism, UNESCO Vilnius).

Religious and Cultural Significance

St. Paraskeva Church has long been a spiritual center for Vilnius’ Orthodox community, symbolizing resilience amid a predominantly Catholic environment. It has served as a venue for religious ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings for Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and Lithuanians alike (Orthodox Church in Lithuania).

Special religious services—especially on Orthodox feast days—draw worshippers and visitors, while cultural events such as concerts and lectures underscore the church’s role as a hub of heritage preservation.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

General Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Note: Hours may vary on religious holidays and during special events. Always check the official website before visiting.

Tickets and Entry

Admission: Free of charge.
Donations: Welcome and appreciated to support ongoing preservation.

Accessibility

Entrance: Main entrance at street level.
Mobility: Some interior areas may be less accessible due to the building’s historic structure; ramps are available, and assistance can be requested from staff.
Public Transport: The church is easily accessible via bus or trolleybus; parking is limited in Old Town.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Available through local tour operators and can be arranged via Vilnius Tourism offices or by contacting the church.
Special Events: Orthodox liturgies, feast day services, and occasional cultural events are held at the church. Visitors are welcome to attend, but should arrive early for seating and observe respectful behavior.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

St. Paraskeva Church’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Vilnius Old Town:

Vilnius Cathedral
Gediminas Tower
Gates of Dawn
Pilies Street – for shopping, cafes, and galleries
Ragutis Stone – a relic of Vilnius’ pagan past, located in the adjacent square (Lithuanian Art Museum)

Travel Tips:

Modest dress is recommended. Women may be asked to wear a headscarf during services.
Maintain silence and respect during worship or ceremonies.
Early mornings and late afternoons are less crowded.
The area is generally safe, but keep personal belongings secure.

Photography Policy

Photography: Permitted inside the church. Avoid flash and tripods to preserve artwork.
Ceremonies: Refrain from photography during services unless explicit permission is given.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of St. Paraskeva Church?
A: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free. Donations are encouraged.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, but without flash or tripods, and not during ceremonies.

Q: Is the church accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The main entrance is accessible; some areas may be challenging. Contact the church for assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local agencies or by arrangement with the parish.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Vilnius Cathedral, Gates of Dawn, Gediminas Tower, Pilies Street, and Ragutis Stone.

Conclusion

St. Paraskeva Church is a remarkable testament to Vilnius’ multi-layered religious and architectural heritage. Its enduring presence, from medieval foundations to its Russian Revival silhouette, reflects centuries of resilience and transformation. With free admission, accessible visiting hours, and proximity to other landmarks, the church is essential for anyone exploring Vilnius’ historical sites. Utilize resources such as the Audiala app for guided tours and check official sites for the latest visitor information.

For ongoing updates, always refer to the Vilnius Tourism portal and Orthodox Church in Lithuania.

References

Visiting St. Paraskeva Church in Vilnius: History, Tickets, Hours & Travel Tips, 2025, Vilnius Tourism (Vilnius Tourism)
Orthodox Wiki: Church of St. Paraskeva, Vilnius, 2025 (Orthodox Wiki)
Visiting the Church of St. Paraskeva in Vilnius: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Insights, 2025, Orthodox Church in Lithuania (Orthodox Church in Lithuania)
St. Paraskeva Church Visiting Hours & Tickets: Explore Vilnius Historical Sites with Ease, 2025, Lithuanian Art Museum (Lithuanian Art Museum)
Exploring St. Paraskeva Church in Vilnius: Architectural Highlights, Visiting Hours, and Visitor Tips, 2025, Vilnius Tourism (Vilnius Tourism)