Ensemble of the Franciscan Monastery and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

These monasteries are mostly visited privately by those seeking spiritual or moral support. However, the Kretinga District Tourism Information Centre organizes a tour called ‘Discovering the Five Monasteries of Kretinga’, which includes visits to four women’s monasteries and one men’s monastery. When possible, participants can meet members of different congregations, learn about their spiritual journey, and hear the history of the monasteries.

The most famous and most frequently visited monastery in Kretinga is the Franciscan Monastery. Step into history at Kretinga's Franciscan Monastery and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, monuments to the Polish-Lithuanian triumph in the Battle of Kircholm.

After more than 400 years of history, these sites preserve some of Lithuania’s notable treasures, including the country’s oldest door, its earliest organ, Saint Anthony’s miraculous painting, and the crypts of the Chodkevičius family. The visit concludes with a climb up the church tower, offering wide views over the charming town of Kretinga.

Spiritual experiences at the Church of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary: Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary – March 25; Feast of St. Anthony of Padua – June 13; Feast of Our Lady Mary, Queen of Angels (Portiuncula) – August 2; St. Francis of Assisi: Transitus on October 3; Feast Day on October 4.