Classicism

Classicism was brought to Lithuania in the late 18th century by Pranciškus Smuglevičius, a famous artist. He completed his studies in Rome and maintained a close relationship with the renowned Spampani family of architects throughout his life. Characterized by the symmetry and simplicity of its forms, derived from Roman architecture, Lithuanian Classicism finds its greatest expression in the Vilnius City Cathedral. Designed by Laurynas Gucevičius in 1801, it was the second of the Lithuanians' great Classicist works that can be seen in the capital (the first was Vilnius Town Hall in 1799). Indeed, influence from the Palladian style that was very much in vogue at the time can clearly be detected in these buildings. Aside from Gucevičius’ buildings, other significant examples of Lithuanian Classicism are The Presidential Palace in Vilnius, and the baronial mansions of Paežeriai, Rokiškis, Burbiškis, and Taujėnai.