Verkiai Palace

Verkiai was the summer residence of the bishops of Vilnius, and the ensemble built at the end of the eighteenth century by Laurynas Gucevičius for Bishop Ignacy Massalski was one of the finest classicist compositions in the region: a central palace flanked by two wings on a terrace above the Neris valley. The central block was demolished in the nineteenth century and the two wings survive, restored, with a formal terrace and steps between them and a long view over the river. The park around is now part of the Verkiai regional park, with old trees, ponds, a water mill and paths down to the water. Trinapolis monastery stands nearby. It is a straightforward trip from the city and combines with the Green Lakes.

What you actually see

• The surviving wings - two classicist blocks flanking the missing centre.
• The river terrace - the view over the Neris valley from the bluff.
• The park - old trees, ponds and a mill along the paths.
• Trinapolis monastery - the ensemble nearby above the river.

When to go

May to September for the park at its best; autumn colour in October is good. The buildings keep limited hours and events can close them. The park is open year round.

Honest expectations

The main palace no longer exists, so the ensemble is incomplete and the effect is diminished. Interior access is limited and depends on events. The park is pleasant rather than remarkable. Public transport from the city is slow.

Nearby

The Green Lakes lie north; Vilnius is south.