Pazaislis Monastery (Pazaislio Vienuolynas)

The basics

A visit to the Pazaislis Monastery is included in most tours of Kaunas, which typically leave from Vilnius and include visits to other important cultural attractions, such as the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum and Old Town Kaunas. Visitors can also learn about the history of the monastery at the Pazaislis Culture and Tourism Center. Monastery tours are offered daily, and the monastery’s courtyard hosts classical and popular music concerts during the summer months.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets are required to visit Pazaislis Monastery.
• The monastery is an active religious site, so it's important to respect the quiet signs and the areas off-limits to tourists.
• Visitors are welcome to pray in the church or attend Mass.
• The monastery is wheelchair accessible, and admission is free for disabled visitors.

How to get there

The Pazaislis Monastery is located on the eastern edge of Kaunas on the shores of the Kaunas Marios reservoir, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Old Town. Bus line 5 is a convenient way to reach the monastery from downtown, or you can bike, drive, or see the monastery as part of a tour. Ample parking is available in front of the monastery complex.

When to get there

The Pazaislis Monastery is open Tuesday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Mondays (except for Sunday Mass). Guided tours of the monastery are available in the afternoons on open days, and must be booked in advance.

The Pazaislis Music Festival

Held every summer since 1996, the Pazaislis Music Festival hosts classical, jazz, blues, and popular music events at the Pazaislis Monastery and historic venues across Kaunas. Many of the concerts are free, and event schedules and ticket information can be found online. The festival runs from late May through early September.