The Gates of Dawn
The Gates
of Dawn are one of the symbols of the city of Vilnius . These gates are
a famous Catholic shrine not only in the whole of Lithuania but also abroad.
Built on the road to the city of Medininkai and originally called the
Medininkai gates, they were one of the original five gates of Vilnius
built together with the city wall. The three-tiered gates stand in the
southern part of the Old Town, open onto M. Daukša Street, and are
connected to a surviving section of the defensive wall.
The building's unique renaissance attic is decorated with a décor
characteristic of that style. The main fasade of the gates is adorned
with gryphons bearing the arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Beside
it to the east stands part of the city wall. This is the longest section
of all those remaining.
The picture of the Mother of Mercy of the Gates of Dawn is well known
among Catholics worldwide. The image of the Virgin Mary, covered with
gold by an unknown 17th century goldsmith, has the features of both the
gothic style and icon painting. Painted with tempera on oak boards, it
was later re-painted with oil paints.
The Kenessa
The Moorish-style Karaite temple was built in 1922 - 1923 and consecrated in 1922 - 1923. During the Soviet period, it was closed and made into a warehouse. Now the Kenessa is once again serving the faithful. The Karaites are a small religious and national community, which was invited to Lithuania from Crimea by Vytautas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. "Karaite" means "I am reading" (the bible).
The Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God
This Orthodox cathedral stands on the left bank of the Vilnele. It is thought that Julijona, the wife of Algirdas and the mother of Jogaila, established this church in the 14th century and was buried in it. In 1511 - 1522, Duke K. Ostrogskis rebuilt the almost-ruined old church. The new church was rebuilt in the gothic Byzantine style. In 1609, the church was passed to the control of the Uniates. Finally in 1808, the neglected church was sold to Vilnius University. An anatomy and veterinary museum as well as auditoriums and a library were established in the church. During 1864 - 1868 at the initiative of Muravyov, the cathedral was rebuilt, acquired its present appearance, and again became an Orthodox church. The present fasades and domes imitate Georgian medieval architecture. The interior was recreated during the reconstruction. It is harmonious and has an especially ornate five-tiered iconostas studded with pictures.
VILNIUS
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