Guest Destination

Lithuania

Lithuania: Land of Hope, Mercy and Living Faith

Guest Destination Visit Lithuania

In the XIII edition of the IWRT – International Workshops on Religious Tourism, Lithuania presents itself as the guest destination. This choice highlights the country as a global reference in religious tourism, spirituality, and faith heritage. With a history marked by resilience, devotion and symbols that transcend generations, Lithuania invites pilgrims and spiritual travelers to discover a land where faith blends with landscape, culture, and the identity of its people.

“A country with great religious traditions” – this is how Pope John Paul II described this northern European nation on the shores of the Baltic Sea during his visit. Known for its authentic culture, rich natural landscapes, wellness offerings and gastronomic experiences, Lithuania proudly shares its religious heritage and spiritual traditions with the world.

From Šiluva – one of the earliest globally recognised sites of a Marian apparition – to the unique Hill of Crosses and the capital Vilnius, known as the City of Mercy, Lithuania offers a wealth of sacred places that continue to attract pilgrims.

Lithuania’s participation as the guest destination of the XIII edition of the IWRT highlights a unique opportunity to showcase, in greater depth, its spiritual, cultural, and religious heritage to professionals and stakeholders in the sector. With a legacy shaped by faith, resilience, and the devotion of its people, Lithuania stands out as an inspiring destination for religious tourism.

In this context, all participants are warmly invited to attend the Opening Session and Conference of the event, which will feature a dedicated space celebrating Lithuania.

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Lithuania in photos

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Where Faith Tradition shapes the Land

The history of Catholicism as Lithuania’s official religion dates back to the country’s baptism in 1387 – making it the last nation in Europe to be officially baptized. Despite this relatively late conversion, the power of faith has shaped the national identity of this land for centuries. Today, Lithuania is home to one of the earliest recognized sites of a Marian apparition in the world, while its capital, Vilnius, became the home of the first Image of Divine Mercy and the city from which the message of mercy began to spread.

Multi-layered religious heritage of Lithuania includes both – official Church traditions, reflected in hundreds of churches and monasteries representing various architectural styles (Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and others), and folk forms of religiosity, such as wooden chapels and crosses. The latter are part of Lithuania’s unique tradition of cross-crafting, which has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Thanks to the faith of Lithuanian believers, these sacred symbols and sites continue to tell stories that foster spiritual growth and empower all who visit.

Lithuania’s deep historical roots, multicultural richness, and enduring spiritual traditions make it an exceptional destination for those seeking meaningful religious experiences.

IWRT Fátima Pope Francis in Gate of Dawn © Fotógrafa Laima Penek 2018-09-22

A Land of deep Spiritual Heritage

This rich spiritual legacy forms part of several renowned pilgrimage routes across the country, including the Pilgrim Route of John Paul II, the Camino Lituano, The Way of St. James, The Way of Grace, and The Way of Mercy.

Lithuania is home to an extraordinary wealth of sacred sites, attracting religious travelers and pilgrims from around the world. Among its most significant destinations are:

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Vilnius Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Stanislaus and Vladislaus

Featuring the renowned Chapel of St. Casimir, patron saint of Lithuania;
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The Gate of Dawn Chapel

Celebrated for the miraculous image of Our Lady, the Mother of Mercy, and a recognized member of the European Network of Marian Shrines;
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Vilnius Divine Mercy Shrine

Where the first image of the Divine Mercy—painted according to the visions of St. Faustina—is preserved.
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The House of St. Faustina

The place where she received more than 80 revelations of Jesus, began writing her Diary, and where the Chaplet of Divine Mercy was dictated to her.
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Pažaislis Church and Monastery

A magnificent example of Baroque architecture and one of the cultural treasures of Lithuania.
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The Sanctuary of Šiluva

The site of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a destination long associated with miracles.
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The Hill of Crosses

A powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resilience, with more than 200,000 crosses placed over the last 150 years.

Unforgettable Spiritual Experiences

Beyond its sacred routes, Lithuania offers a vibrant calendar of traditional religious feasts that provide profound spiritual enrichment and authentic cultural immersion. Among the most significant are:

The Indulgenced Feasts of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Šilinės)

Celebrated every September in Šiluva for nearly five centuries.
Divine Mercy Week and Divine Mercy Sunday

Held at the Divine Mercy Shrine during the first week after Easter;
The Feast of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, Mother of Mercy

Celebrated every November;
The Annual Eight-Day Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Held every August in Pivašiūnai;
The Great Indulgenced Feast of Samogitian Calvary

(Indulgenced Feast of the Visitation), celebrated every July.

A Global Spiritual Gathering in 2026

From 7 to 12 June 2026, Vilnius will host the 6th World Apostolic Congress of Mercy (WACOM6), bringing thousands of pilgrims from across the globe. While this major event further highlights Lithuania’s spiritual importance, visitors are consistently drawn to Vilnius for its exceptional religious heritage, remarkable architectural and historical legacy, and its vibrant multicultural atmosphere.

The coexistence of Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern Rite Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish traditions has shaped Vilnius into a uniquely diverse spiritual center. Prior to World War II, the Jewish community even referred to the city as the “Jerusalem of the North.”

IWRT Fátima Photo by Laima Penek