Church of St. Anne

Overview

The Church of St. Anne is a late-Gothic masterpiece widely considered one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Europe. Its intricate brick façade, built without a single piece of mortar visible from outside, uses 33 different types of moulded brick. Legend has it that Napoleon admired it so much he wanted to carry it back to Paris in the palm of his hand.

Highlights

• Brick façade: An extraordinary composition of intertwining arches, pinnacles, and tracery crafted entirely from red brick.
• Ensemble with Bernardine Church: Adjacent to the much larger Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard, the two form a striking Gothic duo.
• Interior: Simple and austere inside, providing a stark contrast to the ornate exterior — notable baroque altar added later.

History

The church was first built in the late 14th century for the German-speaking community in Vilnius. The current building dates from around 1500, designed by the architect Michael Enkinger. It survived the fires that destroyed much of the Old Town in the 17th century and has remained largely unchanged for over 500 years.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The best photos of the façade are taken from across the small park on the opposite side of Maironio Street.
• Tip 2: Combine your visit with Bernardine Garden, which is directly behind the church.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.