Church of St. Anne

About

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Church of St. Anne in Vilnius is one of Lithuania’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1495 and 1500, it is renowned for its intricate façade crafted from 33 types of clay bricks, creating a striking red silhouette that has inspired legends—most famously, Napoleon is said to have wished to carry it back to Paris “in the palm of his hand.” Despite the rise of Renaissance styles elsewhere in Europe, Lithuania embraced Gothic design later, making St. Anne’s a rare and enduring example of Flamboyant and Brick Gothic. The church stands beside the larger Church of St. Francis and Bernardine Monastery, forming a historic ensemble in Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remarkably, St. Anne’s remained open during Soviet times and was even renovated in the 20th century. Today, it continues to function as a place of worship and a cultural treasure, drawing visitors with its architectural elegance and deep historical resonance.

Vilnius Lithuania

Location

The Church of St. Anne is a renowned Gothic masterpiece located at Maironio Street 8, in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, on the right bank of the Vilnia River. Completed around 1500, it is celebrated for its striking red brick façade, constructed with 33 different types of clay bricks, and is one of the most iconic examples of Flamboyant and Brick Gothic architecture in Lithuania. The church is part of the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town and is often cited as a symbol of the city, with legends claiming that Napoleon wished to carry it back to Paris after seeing its beauty. Adjacent to St. Anne’s is the Bernardine Church and Monastery, forming a unique historical and architectural ensemble. The Bernardine Garden, a popular public park, is also nearby, offering green space and scenic walking paths along the river. The area is rich in history, with Vilnius University, Pilies Street, and other Old Town attractions within easy walking distance, making the Church of St. Anne a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.