Old Kaunas Dukes Palace, Gothic palace in Old Town, Kaunas, Lithuania
The Old Kaunas Dukes Palace is a Gothic stone building located in the center of the Old Town at the intersection of two main streets. The structure displays distinctive medieval architectural features and has been a prominent building in the historic district for many centuries.
The building originated as a Franciscan monastery before being transformed into a ducal residence in the 1600s to serve the region's rulers. This conversion marked its shift from religious to political importance in the city.
This building witnessed centuries of ducal authority and family life, serving as a residence where rulers made decisions affecting the entire region. The rooms and halls reflect how medieval nobility lived and conducted their daily affairs within stone walls.
The palace sits in the center of Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from the main plaza and surrounding historic streets. The area is walkable with several other historical sites nearby that can be explored in the same visit.
After its role as a ducal residence, the building was later repurposed as a hospital and then a mental health facility, reflecting the changing needs of the city. These transformations show how the structure adapted to serve very different purposes across its long existence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
