What to expect from Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour
NB: This tour is not suitable for individuals with claustrophobia or mobility difficulties. The crypts are located underground, have dim lighting, and can feel confined. There are also stairs and uneven surfaces. Please consider this before booking.
Step back in time and journey through the medieval heart of Vilnius, uncovering Lithuania’s fascinating past and its legendary rulers. From the earliest inhabitants to the powerful Grand Dukes, this tour offers a captivating insight into how Vilnius and the Lithuanian state evolved over the centuries. After exploring the city’s historic settlement around Cathedral Square, you’ll descend into the mysterious crypts beneath Vilnius Cathedral, where hidden chambers and ancient tombs reveal a rarely seen side of history.
The tour begins in the heart of Vilnius, next to the monument of Grand Duke Gediminas. Look for our guide holding something yellow—a sign, umbrella, or bag. During the first hour of the tour, you’ll walk through the historic park and see major landmarks from the outside, including the Old Arsenal, the Upper Castle (viewed only from below), and the Palace of the Grand Dukes. As you walk through these historic sites, you’ll be transported back to the time of Lithuania’s first inhabitants and the Baltic tribes. Learn about their unique traditions and pagan beliefs that shaped the area for centuries. Discover how their world changed with the arrival of Christianity into the region and the formation of the Lithuanian Kingdom in the 13th century. Through the history of the surrounding buildings and monuments, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Vilnius, once a small pagan settlement, became the capital of one of medieval Europe’s largest states.
After an hour of exploring the city’s history outdoors, we step inside Vilnius Cathedral—the most important church in Lithuania. Beneath its grand structure lies a hidden world, rich with centuries of history and untold stories. As we descend into the crypts, you’ll uncover the mysteries of those buried here and the purpose behind underground chambers. Inside, we’ll discuss the significance of the Cathedral, the Christianization of Lithuania, and the secrets still waiting to be discovered. From grand rulers to noble families, the crypts hold the remains of some of Lithuania’s most influential figures. Your guide will share intriguing stories of royal burials, archaeological discoveries, and what these tombs reveal about Lithuania’s past.
Cathedral crypts and medieval history walking tour is perfect for history lovers, curious travelers, and anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Vilnius beyond its beautiful streets. If you’re ready to uncover the past, book your spot today and let history come alive!
Please note that by booking Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour you consent to share your personal data to receive TripAdvisor or Google review solicitation email. We promise not to spam you and just to send your one email after the date you booked the tour :)
FAQ about Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour
It is best if you pre-book so that we can ensure small group size. However, we do accept walk-ins, just please note that the cost will be slightly higher than if you had booked in advance!
Click on the date you are interested in on the calendar above. If you cannot select the date, it is not available. After you click on available date, the form will appear to fill your details to book the tour and proceed with the payment. If you want to book a private tour, please select PRIVATE on the top of the calendar.
Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour starts in front of Gediminas monumnet at the Cathedral square
You can purchase your tickets to the regular tour:
1. Here on our website by booking via calendar. Advance payment is not required and you can pay before the tour. However you should note that if you pay on the spot, the price will be higher.
2. During other tours. You can also buy tickets during other Vilnius With Locals tours from the guides.
3. Before the tour at the meeting point (however the price will be higher +2EUR if you pay on the spot).
You may cancel your booking any time before the tour date by writing an email to hello@vilniuswithlocals.com. Cancellations need to be made at least 72 hrs before the start of your private or regular tour to get the full refund. A 50% refund will be given to cancellations received between 48-72 hours before the start of your private tour. Cancellations received within 48 hours and no-shows will not be refunded.
All kids up to 7 years old are welcome to join our regular walking tours for free. Children up to 13 years old get a discount for walking tours, tickets are bought at the meeting spot directly from the guide.
We are professional licensed guides in Vilnius
Yes, we never cancel tours because of the weather. Do not forget to bring an umbrella or dress appropriately and let's discover Vilnius together no matter what the weather is.
Our guides have yellow name tags or a yellow sign with the name of the tour, a yellow “Vilnius with Locals Tours” sign or a yellow "Vilnius With Locals Tours" bag. It is impossible to miss us :)
At the moment we offer Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour only in English.
On regular tours we have groups from 1 to 20 people depending on the season.
You will get a dicounted price for the tour with Vilnius Pass. Payment will done by cash or card to the tour guide on the spot before the tour.
Please do not be late:) In case you are running late inform us as soon as possible via phone +37069169365. If you manage to do that before the tour starts, we can ask the guide to share his/her location via whatsapp. But we are unable to do that after the tour starts. .