The history of the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus dates back to the XIII century. Originally the Church stood at the foot of Castle hill and presumably was called the Cathedral of Mindaugas. There is a very interesting theory, according to which after the death of Mindaugas, the temple was converted into a pagan temple. Then the temple was destroyed and later reconstructed by the Grand Duke Jagiello.

The new Church building was built in the then popular Gothic style; the walls were 1, 4 meters. The Cathedral of Jagiello, however, was destined to a hard life. It burned down in the fire, but after some time 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 completely rebuild. In 1552 under the leadership of a talented architect annus began work on the reconstruction, however, to bring the end they were not meant to be. The building was again destroyed by fire in a fire in 1530. And it was not the last occasion, when the Church suffered from a fire.

Following the reconstruction of the Cathedral began in 1534. This time the project is led by invited from Rome architect Bernardo Zanobi. However, again, it was not destined to bring the case to completion. Another fire 1539 again turned to ashes have not finished the Cathedral. However, by 1545 the vaults of the temple were built under the strict supervision of the architect Giovanni Zini.

The new Cathedral was built in the architectural style of the Renaissance and completed by 1557, however, the fire 1610 again drew many years of work in the ashes. Once the restoration of the Cathedral was delayed for more than 20 years. After the fire began the next reorganization of the Cathedral, together with him, erected the chapel of St. Casimir, which later were buried the relics of the canonized Holy elder. However, another fire 1639 again destroyed the Cathedral, which was soon rebuilt.

In the period from 1655 to 1660, Vilnius was occupied by Russian troops, and the Church was subjected to destruction and looting. All the years that Vilnius was under the rule of the Russian army, the Church has not acted. From 1666, after the end of active hostilities, the restoration of the temple under the guidance of renowned Italian architect, who revived the Church in the Baroque style.

A century later, the Church again was rebuilt, however, in 1769, its South tower collapsed, which again caused the need to reconstruct it. From 1777 to 1792 and the temple was closed for renovation, which was held under the project of Laurynas of Gurevicius. Upon completion of the reconstruction of the Church took the classic style. It is therefore it can be seen in our days.

In 1921 the Church was given the title of Basilica, did Pope Benedict II. However hard destiny has prepared the Cathedral and the test water. The big flood of 1932 flooded the basements of the temple, which caused the need for major repairs. In 1949, the Cathedral was closed. Subsequently suffered another looting, and in 1956 in the Church began to operate an Art gallery and was restored antique organ. In 1981 it was restored the interior of the temple, the paintings were returned and Church vessels.

And 5 February 1989 the Cathedral was consecrated and returned to the faithful. Today it is the main Catholic Church in the country. In the dungeons of the Cathedral are buried deserved political and religious figures incl. The Cathedral is open to visitors every day, you can also visit the mass conducted at the Church.