Renovated: ~1700 by L. Stuoka-Gucevichius Renovated: 1824-1834 by Vassily Stasov Type: Government Building Location: Simono Daukanto Sqare, Vilnius, Lithuania
Building Rating 90% of readers like the Presidential Palace (Vilnius).
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A fitting structure for Lithuania's head of state. It's columns evoke the flavor of Greece, the birthplace of modern democracy. Because of fire, war, and unrest, many of the documents chronicling the building's early days have been lost to time, thieves, and flame. But we know the palace traces its history back to the mid-14th century, when Grand Duke Jogalia set aside the land the building rests on. It wasn't until the end of that century that construction began under Bishop Andrius Vasila. Over succeeding generations, the building was gradually enlarged and made more ornate. It was the mid-18th century when the Bishops stopped living in the palace. A short time later, Lithuania was incorporated into the Russian Empire. The palace was something of a destination for the Russian Tsars, and several spent much time there, including the man who would one day become King Louis XVII of France. As the political climate changed, the palace changed from being the realm of Tsars to being the official residence of the Russian Governor-General, but still hosted some of history's most notable figures, including Napoleon. As the 20th century dawned, for political and practical purposes, the building once again changed roles. It became an office building, housing the Foreign Ministry, the government press corps, and other services. Between the first and second World Wars, the palace was used for ceremonial purposes before becoming the officers quarters for the local detachment of the Soviet Army. After Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Empire, the palace came under familiar stewardship. Part of it became France's embassy in Vilnius, and when Lithuania got its own president, it became his official quarters.
1737: The palace is seriously damaged in a fire.
1748: The palace is seriously damaged in a fire.
~1750: The palace undergoes reconstruction under the direction of L. Stuoka-Gucevichius.
1824-1834: The palace undergoes reconstruction under the direction of Vassily Stasov.
1995: An archaeological dig on the palace grounds finds Iron Age artifacts.
