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A legend about the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte – who is said to have wished to carry St. Anne’s Church to Paris in the palm of his hand – continues to draw visitors to this remarkable Gothic landmark in Vilnius Old Town.

Built between 1495 and 1501, Church of St. Anne has endured fires, wars, and several reconstructions over the centuries. Together with the neighboring Bernardine Church and monastery, it forms the Bernardine architectural complex, one of the most significant in Vilnius.

The red-brick church is admired for its slender towers, intricate Gothic arches, stained-glass windows, and refined decorative details, giving it the appearance of an elegant paper cutout. The altar was designed by the renowned architect Johann Christoph Glaubitz. The central altarpiece depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child and St. Anne.

Visitors are encouraged to look closely at the details: the iron church doors bear St. Anne’s monogram SA (Santa Anna in Latin), while the door handles are decorated with horned mythical creatures – an unexpected and intriguing touch.

Spiritual experiences: the Feast of St. Anne (title indulgences) is celebrated on July 24–26.

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