The Cathedral of Vilnius (full name: St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav Cathedral) is one of the most monumental buildings in the whole city. The Cathedral experienced many fires, reconstructions, rebuilding; it was even abandoned. Now the restored main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania is a real beauty of Vilnius.
         The first cathedral in Vilnius was built in 13th century; however, it was destroyed many times, so almost every Grand Duke of Lithuania had to rebuild the main chapel of the capital.
         However, the Cathedral was reconstructed to its present appearance just in 1801 by the famous Lithuanian architect Laurynas Stuoka-Gucevičius. Since then, the Cathedral of Vilnius is the building of classical style. The main facade is decorated with three sculptures: St. Helena, St. Casimir, and St. Stanislaus. The last ones were destroyed in Soviet times, and only after the Lithuania’s Independence Restoration they were reconstructed (author – Stanislaus Kuzma). The period of 1949-1988 was complicated. The Cathedral was closed and the wealth was plundered or disposed to other institutions; and the pictures gallery was set up in the chapel.
         Only in 1988 churchgoers successfully recovered the lost wealth. The Cathedral was opened again, and again was celebrated the Mass. After Lithuania’s Independence Restoration the Pope Jean-Paul II graced Vilnius’ Cathedral with his presence.
         Now the basilica which is situated at the beginning of Gediminas’ Avenue invites churchgoers and visitors to visit renovated and restored buildings – within the Cathedral and in the big belfry as well.
         The Cathedral Square in nowadays is a meeting-place where citizens like to have a rest. The Cathedral houses an exposition of a long and complex history of this building. Formerly in the crypts were buried famous and worthy lords and priests of the Great Duchy of Lithuania. In the exposition which is in the Cathedral visitors can have a look at many things which are buried in basilica’s catacombs and crypts.
         The impressive classical style, stunning interior, splendour and many other impressions are waiting for everyone, who is ready to visit the Cathedral of Vilnius. It is not only simple chapel but also a real historic value and art monument.