Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower | Latvia

Vilnius Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St Stanislaus and St Vladislav, is located in the UNESCO listed historic old town of Vilnius in Lithuania. The church is the heart of Catholic spiritual life in Lithuania, and literally the resting place of the heart of Polish king and Grand Duke of Lithuania, Wladyslaw IV Vasa. A succession of fires meant that Vilnius Cathedral has undergone a series of further incarnations. While some earlier elements have survived, such as over ten of its chapels, the current structure mostly dates back to the 18th century. Many of the country’s most famous and important figures are also contained within Vilnius Cathedral, including medieval ruler Vytautas the Great and Grand Duke Alexander Jogailaitis.Vilnius Cathedral also houses works of art, many dating back to the 16th century. One of its oldest pieces is a fresco called ‘The Crucifixion’ which is believed to date back to the 14th century, making it the country’s oldest wall painting.

(Vilnius, Lithuania)