This archival postcard from 1981 depicts the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR, during winter. This structure stands as a prominent monument of Baroque architecture and one of the city’s main attractions.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows the main facade of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, partially obscured by the silhouettes of bare trees. The winter landscape is emphasized by snow covering the ground, the steps leading to the entrance, and the domes and roofs of the building. The sky above the church is clear and cloudless.
Historical note
The Church of St. Peter and Paul was constructed between 1668 and 1676, initiated by Hetman Michał Kazimierz Pac to commemorate the expulsion of Muscovite forces from Vilnius. The church’s design is attributed to Jan Zaor, while its interior, renowned for its unique stucco decoration, was created by Italian masters Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli. The building represents one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Present day
Currently, the Church of St. Peter and Paul continues to function as an active Roman Catholic church. It is one of Vilnius’s most visited cultural and religious landmarks, attracting pilgrims and tourists worldwide with its magnificent interior. During the Soviet era, the church remained one of the few in Vilnius that was not closed to the public.
Location (map)
Address: Antakalnio St. 1, Vilnius 10312, Lithuania
Coordinates: 54.693300, 25.309000
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates obtained from open geoinformation sources (e.g., OpenStreetMap, Google Maps) for the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Vilnius..
Questions and answers
- When was the Church of St. Peter and Paul built? The Church of St. Peter and Paul was built between 1668 and 1676.
- Who initiated the construction of the church? The construction was initiated by Hetman Michał Kazimierz Pac.
- What is the interior of the Church of St. Peter and Paul famous for? The church’s interior is famous for its unique stucco decoration, created by Italian masters Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Vilnius from 1981.
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