Renaissance

architecture

art

Heritage

Examples of Renaissance architecture are relatively thin on the ground, as this style was not so pronounced in its penetration as some others, such as Gothic. The Vilnius Lower Castle was probably the signature building of this period. Notable examples include the Alumnatas Courtyard in Vilnius University, the Medininkai Gate (or Gate of Dawn) - a popular site for pilgrimage in Vilnius, Biržai Castle, and the House of Scottish Merchants in Kėdainiai.

Examples of Renaissance architecture are relatively thin on the ground, as this style was not so pronounced in its penetration as some others, such as Gothic. What we do have, we can thank Duchess Bona Sforza (2 February 1494 – 19 November 1557) for. The second wife of Sigismund the Elder, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, she encouraged her husband to embark on new architectural projects, enlisting artists and architects from her home country of Italy to become involved in these projects. Although now long gone, the Vilnius Lower Castle was probably the signature building of this period. This spurred other members of the aristocracy, including the famous Radziwiłł (Radvila) family, to follow in their footsteps, and Lithuania’s small heritage of Renaissance architecture was created. Notable examples include the Alumnatas Courtyard in Vilnius University, the Medininkai Gate (or Gate of Dawn) - a popular site for pilgrimage in Vilnius, Biržai Castle, and the House of Scottish Merchants in Kėdainiai.