With its needle-like towers and intricate brickwork, St. Anne’s Church is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Vilnius’ Old Town, a UNESCO-listed heritage centre. The glorious Flamboyant Gothic-style church was consecrated in 1500 and has remained almost entirely unchanged since that time. Visit this Roman Catholic church to see its breathtaking multihued bricks and highly detailed ornamentation. Wander inside to see the lavish Baroque-style interior and stunning altar.
Stand back from this architectural masterpiece to fully appreciate its elegant symmetry. Allegedly designed by Bohemian architect Benedikt Rejt, the church was constructed from 33 different types of bricks and its façade incorporates Gothic arches with the patterns of the Pillars of Gediminas. Napoleon visited the church in the early 1800s and is reputed to have said that he would like to take the church home to Paris “in the palm of his hand.” Next to the church, look for the neo-Gothic bell tower, which was added to the site in the 1870s.
Enter through the elaborate main doors and discover the airy interior. Walk along the traditional checkered tiles to the nave flanked by two towers. The Baroque-style decorations are sumptuous, with intricate stonework and a honeycomb of red bricks adorning the walls. Light floods into the nave from tall stained-glass windows. Check out the elegant Baroque altar and spot the different sculptures and icons carved into the altar’s niches.
St. Anne’s Church is located south of Vilnius’ Old Town, near Bernardine Park. The church is open to the public during the afternoons every day except Monday. Visit on Sunday to attend Mass, which is held twice in the morning. This attraction is free to visit and can be reached within a 15-minute walk from Vilnius Cathedral. Add the landmark St. Anne’s Church to your walking tour of Old Town. You’ll find Castle Hill and the National Museum of Lithuania a short distance north of the church.
