- Place
- Vilnius City Municipality
- Region
- Vilnius
- Type
- active early twentieth-century Orthodox church
- Address
- J. Basanavičiaus g. 27, Vilnius
- Coordinates
- 54.68215, 25.26847
- Visit duration
- 15-35 minutes; longer during services
- Best time
- in daylight outside service times, after checking current parish information
Romanov Church, Saints Constantine and Michael Orthodox Church
A memorial idea became a major city church
In 1908, Vilnius Orthodox circles proposed commemorating Konstanty Ostrogski, Grand Hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, three centuries after his death. An initial monument proposal developed into the construction of a new church. Archbishop Nikandr began the preparations, which Archbishop Agafangel continued after his death.
The former Zakret Square beside today's J. Basanavičiaus Street was selected in 1911. The design is associated with I. Kolesnikov and architect A. Shpakovsky, while industrialist Ivan Kolesnikov provided significant financial support. The official history says the planned sanctuary could accommodate up to 1,000 people.
Two layers of dedication in one name
The church was consecrated in 1913, the year the Russian Empire marked the Romanov dynasty's tercentenary. Saint Constantine was associated with Ostrogski's heavenly patron, while Saint Michael Maleinos was the patron of Mikhail, the first Romanov tsar. The building therefore combines remembrance of an Orthodox magnate of the Grand Duchy with early twentieth-century imperial commemoration.
The local name Romanov Church refers to that construction context. It is best understood as a historical layer, not the programme of today's parish: the building now serves an active community of the Lithuanian Orthodox Church.
Five green domes and white façade ornament
Five green onion domes dominate the view from J. Basanavičiaus Street. White window surrounds, arcading, columns, and other details stand out against the pale brick and plaster walls. The compact but richly decorated building is easiest to read from across the street.
Unlike the cluster of Orthodox sanctuaries in the Old Town, this church belongs to the urban setting of New Town. It shows how Vilnius's sacred geography expanded beyond the historical gates in the early twentieth century.
An active sanctuary, not a museum
Official Lithuanian Orthodox Church notices from 2026 confirm that worship takes place here. No fixed tourist opening hours or admission charge are published, so access depends on liturgy, community activity, and the particular day. Check the latest church information before making a dedicated journey.
Behave as you would in any place of worship: dress respectfully, silence your phone, keep your voice low, and ask before taking photographs. During services, do not block aisles or move among worshippers.
