St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Vilnius

The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Vilnius is a magnificent Baroque church and is considered one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the world. It is located in Vilnius, Lithuania, and is known for its special interior, which is filled with around two thousand statues. The church is not only a masterpiece of architecture, but also has historical significance as a testimony to the victory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the Muscovites.

The present church was built by Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas, an Emon, to celebrate Vilnius’s liberation from the Russians, after the previous wooden church was destroyed during wars with Moscow. The church acquired its present appearance in 1676 and was later decorated with stucco mouldings and murals. The Rococo pulpit was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The architect, however, was not satisfied with the work of local craftsmen and invited Italian masters Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli to finish the interior design, including the creation of the approximately two thousand stucco mouldings.

The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is often called the Baroque Jewel of Vilnius. Until 1989, the remains of Saint Casimir were stored in this church. The church’s founder, M. K. Pacas, passed away in 1682 before the construction was completed, and he is buried in a crypt just below the entrance of the church. His will stated that the building should continue being built after his death. An inscription on his tomb reads, "A sinner lies in here."