Šv. Jonų bažnyčios varpinė
The tallest building in the Old Town: an observation platform, a Foucault pendulum and the exhibition “Vilniaus universitetas ir pasaulis” (“Vilnius University and the World”).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The bell tower of St John's Church rose after the founding of the Jesuit College in 1569, on the foundations of an older building, possibly a defensive structure. The three lower floors are Renaissance, the two upper ones Baroque; the tower took this form after the fire of 1737. It is the tallest building in the Vilnius Old Town belonging to the Vilniaus universiteto muziejus (Vilnius University Museum); it has been open to visitors since 2011.
The observation platform, about 45 m high, can be reached by climbing 193 original wooden steps or by a modern lift. From the top you can see the rooftops of the Old Town, St Anne's Church (Šv. Onos bažnyčia), Gediminas Tower and Pilies gatvė. The first floor houses the exhibition “Vilniaus universitetas ir pasaulis”; the second floor has a Foucault pendulum that shows the rotation of the Earth – the museum states that it is the only such pendulum in Lithuania.
Because of its sensitivity to weather conditions, the bell tower operates for about half of the year, from spring to autumn; in winter it is closed.
Highlights
- Observation platform with views of the Old Town
- 193 original wooden steps or a lift
- Foucault pendulum on the second floor
- Exhibition “Vilniaus universitetas ir pasaulis”
Permanent exhibition
- Vilniaus universitetas ir pasaulis – Exhibition on the first floor of the bell tower on the history of Vilnius University and its links with the world.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Vilniaus universiteto muziejus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4pupils, students and pensioners |
| Seniors | €4 |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| With the “Vilnius Pass” | freeFree of charge |
Prices according to the 2026 season; students and staff of Vilnius University are admitted free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The observation platform can be reached by lift or by 193 steps.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The tour covers the history of the bell tower and the Foucault pendulum; afterwards visitors can climb to the top. For tours call +370 616 83269. |
