Church of Sant'Anna

St. Anne’s Church, located in the heart of Vilnius, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Gothic architecture in Lithuania and Eastern Europe as a whole. Built between 1495 and 1500, the church is a masterpiece that blends flamboyant Gothic style with brick Gothic, using mainly red bricks that give the building a characteristic and distinctive appearance. The history of St. Anne’s Church is closely linked to the period of great power and influence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which in the 15th century extended from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. This period of territorial expansion and adoption of Christianity as the official religion in 1387, under the reign of Vytautas the Great, saw the construction of numerous churches and cathedrals to consolidate the Catholic faith in the country. The church of St. Anne was commissioned by Anna, Grand Duchess of Lithuania and wife of Vytautas, as a symbol of her religious devotion and the growing importance of Christianity in the region. The construction of the church was a complex undertaking that required the skill of skilled builders and craftsmen. The use of clay bricks, rather than stone, reflected the availability of local materials and the builders’ familiarity with brick construction techniques. Despite the challenges related to material transport and the complexity of the design, the church was completed in just five years, demonstrating the dedication and skill of the workers involved. An intriguing element of the church is the legend associated with Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. During the Franco-Russian campaign of 1812, Napoleon, struck by the beauty of the church, reportedly expressed a desire to take it to Paris “in the palm of his hand.” This story highlights the lasting impression that the Gothic architecture of the church has had on visitors over the centuries. The interior of the church is as impressive as the exterior. The main altar, located at the eastern end, features a beautiful painting of St. Anne, Mary, and Jesus, dating back to the 18th century. This work, created by an unknown artist, depicts the three in a tender family embrace, emphasizing the importance of family ties in the Catholic tradition. Other notable elements of the interior include intricate wood carvings on the benches and confessionals, stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints, a 17th-century organ still in use during religious celebrations, and numerous side altars dedicated to various saints and religious figures. Throughout its long history, the church has played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Vilnius. It was integrated into the city’s defensive walls in the 16th century, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a defensive structure against potential attacks. The evident signs of gun ports in the church walls testify to this defensive role. St. Anne’s Church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, the most significant of which took place between 1902 and 1909, when the side arches were uncovered and the walls reinforced with iron. Further restoration work took place in the 1960s and 1970s, during which the deteriorating towers were restored and the facade elements reinforced. A notable historical event occurred on August 23, 1987, when the Lithuanian Freedom League organized a demonstration near the church to protest against Soviet occupation. This protest, which was dispersed by Soviet police forces, represents a significant moment in the struggle for Lithuanian independence. In 1994, the historic center of Vilnius, including St. Anne’s Church, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical value on a global level. Today, the church is open to visitors and offers guided tours that allow exploration of its architecture and artworks, enriching understanding of its historical and spiritual significance.