Lithuanian Association of the Deaf

On one of the most iconic streets in Vilnius Old Town – St. Casimir Street – stands a building marked by a mysterious semi-circular arch connecting two houses on opposite sides of the street. This spot is popular among photographers and artists and often appears in historical films, yet few are aware of the remarkable history of the building at No. 3.

Since the 16th century, two masonry houses stood on this plot. In 1765–1766, they were acquired by Salomėja Radvilienė, Voivode of Nowogródek, who merged them into a single building.

Today, the complex consists of four buildings representing different historical periods. Elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical architecture have been preserved. A reconstruction carried out between 1974 and 1982 introduced interior features from that period, which are now also considered valuable.

One of the building’s highlights is an elegant curved Classical staircase with slender balustrades. Also preserved are stained glass works by Stanislovas Rolandas Bulavas and an impressive fresco-sgraffito Old Vilnius by Saulius Čižikas.

Throughout its history, the building has changed owners and functions multiple times. During the interwar period, it belonged to the St. Zita Society of Domestic Workers. Since the mid-20th century, it has housed institutions and organizations for the deaf.