The history of the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Stanislaus and Vladislav dates back to the XIII century. Originally a temple stood at the foot of Castle Hill, and presumably was called Mindaugas Cathedral. There is a very interesting theory, according to which after the death of Mindaugas, the church was turned into a pagan temple. Then the temple was destroyed and later rebuilt again the Grand Duke Jagiello.

The new church building was built in the Gothic style then popular, the thickness of its walls was 1, 4 meters. Cathedral Jogaila, however, also was prepared for a hard life. It burned in the fire, but some time later was again restored Duke Vytautas, this time the temple was made entirely of stone.

After 100 years after the construction of the Cathedral needed repairs, and it was decided to rebuild it completely. In 1552, under the leadership of a talented architect Annus started work on the reconstruction, but to bring them up to the end it was not to be. The building was again destroyed by fire in the fire of 1530. And it was not the last case, when the cathedral suffered from the fire.

Another reconstruction of the cathedral began in 1534 already. At this time, a project led by the architect invited from Rome Bernardo Zanobi. But again it was not meant to bring the case to completion. Another fire in 1539 again turned to ashes not yet finished cathedral. However, by 1545 the vaults of the temple were built under the guidance of architect Giovanni Zini.

The new cathedral was built in the architectural style of the Renaissance, and has been completed to 1557, but a fire in 1610 turned his many years of work in the ashes. Immediate restoration work on the Cathedral was delayed for more than 20 years. After the fire started another restructuring of the cathedral, it was built together with the Chapel of St. Casimir, which were later buried relics of the saint canonized elder. However, once again the fire in 1639 destroyed the Cathedral, which was soon rebuilt.

In the period from 1655 by 1660 Vilnius was occupied by Russian troops, and the church subjected to destruction and looting. All the years that Vilnius was ruled by Russian troops, the church did not act. Since 1666, after the end of active hostilities, the restoration of the church under the guidance of the renowned Italian architect who revived the church in the Baroque style.

A century later, the temple was renovated again, but in 1769 it struck the south tower, which again led to the need to reconstruct it. From 1777 to 1792, and the church was closed for renovation, which was held on the draft Laurynas Gucevičius. Upon completion of the reconstruction of the temple acquired a classical style. That is so you can see it in our days.

In 1921, the Cathedral was granted the title of Basilica, did Pope Benedict II. However hard destiny has prepared general assembly and test the water. The massive flooding in 1932 flooded the basements of the temple, which caused the need for major repairs. In 1949, the cathedral was closed. Subsequently underwent yet another looting, and in 1956 began to operate in the temple Art Gallery and was restored antique organ. In 1981 it was renovated the interior of the temple, were returned to painting and church utensils.

A February 5, 1989 the Cathedral was consecrated and returned to believers. Today it is the most important Catholic church in the country. In the dungeons of the cathedral are buried honored political and religious leaders ON. The cathedral is open to visitors every day, and you can also visit and Mass, held in the temple.