Gate of Dawn
The Gate of Dawn (Lithuanian: Aušros Vartai) is one of the most important and recognizable landmarks in Vilnius. It is not only a historic city gate but also one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Lithuania, housing the Chapel of the Mother of Mercy. The site is significant for believers, history lovers, and travelers who want to experience the ancient spirit of Vilnius. The Gate of Dawn stands in the southern part of the Vilnius Old Town, on Aušros Vartų Street. It is a perfect starting point for a walk through the Old Town — from here you can head toward Town Hall Square , Vilnius University , Cathedral Square , or Užupis . Why visit? The Gate of Dawn is the only surviving gate of the old Vilnius city wall. Once the city was surrounded by a defensive wall with ten gates, but only this one remains. Above the gate, a small chapel houses the famous icon of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn — one of the most venerated religious images in Lithuania, revered by Lithuanians, Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and believers from many other countries. What to see First, look at the gate from the street — the exterior still shows the original defensive slits from the 16th century. Then step into the chapel. It is small but has a remarkable atmosphere. From the chapel window you can see the street below, where the sacred and the everyday Vilnius meet in one place. Next to the Gate of Dawn stands St. Teresa's Church — one of the finest Baroque churches in Vilnius, worth visiting alongside the chapel. Brief history The Gate of Dawn was first mentioned in 1514. Originally called the Medininkai Gate, it was the southern entrance to the city. In the 17th century, a chapel was built above the gate to house the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1927, the icon was crowned with crowns blessed by Pope Pius XI, and Mary was given the title Mother of Mercy. Opening hours Chapel (May–October): daily 6:00–19:00 Chapel (November–April): daily 7:00–19:00 St. Teresa's Church (Mon–Sat): 10:00–19:00 St. Teresa's Church (Sun): 7:00–19:00 Admission: free Nearby From the Gate of Dawn, walk along Didžioji Street toward Town Hall Square , stop at Halės Market , continue to Vilnius University and Cathedral Square , or turn toward Užupis . For greenery, Bernardinai Garden is just a few steps away. If you are in Vilnius for the first time, the Gate of Dawn is a must-see. Even if you have only 20 minutes, it is worth stopping here.
Adresas: Aušros Vartų g. 14, 01303 Vilnius, Lithuania
Telefonas: (0-5) 212 3513
Svetainė: http://www.ausrosvartai.lt/
Darbo valandos: Koplyčia (gegužė–spalis): kasdien 6:00–19:00 · Koplyčia (lapkritis–balandis): kasdien 7:00–19:00 · Šv. Teresės bažnyčia (pirm.–šeš.): 10:00–19:00 · Šv. Teresės bažnyčia (sekm.): 7:00–19:00
- bažnyčia
- piligrimystė
- gynybiniai vartai
- istorija
- nemokamas įėjimas
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