Pažaislis Monastery

[3][4] Founded in 1664 by nobleman of Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Grand Chancellor of Lithuania, Krzysztof Zygmunt Pac, as a hermitage for the Order of the Camaldolese on the hill called Mons Pacis in Latin (a hint to the Pac family; Literal translation: "Peace Mountain"; Lithuanian: Taikos kalnis) on the estate bought from Oborski family that year.

Exclusive architectural solutions were used for the first time in Lithuania: a hexagonal church plan, and a concave facade (both heavily influenced by Borromini who used a more elaborate and refined hexagonal plan and also a concave facade for Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and also for Sant’ Agnese in Agone, both in Rome) interior stucco work is ascribed to Joan Merli and the frescos to Michelangelo Palloni.

[10] The monastery's church, decorated with highly polished marble, was damaged by the horses of Napoleon's army which was based in the complex.

The leaving Orthodox monks has stolen many treasures from the monastery, including the St. Mass Cup, decorated with over 1000 gemstones (over 400 diamonds, 300 rubies and 200 emeralds).

After World War II, the Soviet authorities converted the church and monastery into an archive, a psychiatric hospital and finally an art gallery (in 1966).