On the peninsula of the Kaunas Sea, in Pažaislis, there is a Baroque Camaldolese monastery, one of the most beautiful works of Baroque architecture in north-eastern Europe. The monastery was founded by the Lithuanian chancellor Krzysztof Zygmunt Pac, who entrusted the project to the Italian architect Giovanni Battisca Frediani, and brought in Italian painters and sculptors to do the work. Marble for the finishes was imported from Poland.

The monastery complex was designed according to the symbolism of the Camaldolese Order's coat of arms. The most impressive feature is the church with its hexagonal nave and two towers. The interior was decorated with some 140 frescoes, including the famous 'Coronation of Mary' by Giuseppe Rossi.

The Camaldolese lived in seclusion, in extreme asceticism by remaining silent, sleeping in coffins and only greeting each other with the words "memento mori". Over time, numerous legends grew up around the monastery, including a founder penitent for his sins, witchcraft, treasures or a hidden bell.

In 1831, the monastery was taken over by the Tsarist authorities and the monks were removed. Today, the complex is open to visitors and is cared for by the sisters of the St Casimir's congregation. The monastery combines religious, cultural (music festival) and tourist functions.

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