St. Johns' Church at Vilnius University

The start of the construction of the Church is linked with Lithuania’s Christianization. It was Lithuanian Grand Duke and Polish King Jogaila who in 1386 began work on the building, which King Alexander Vytautas completed in 1426. In 1571 the Church was entrusted to the Jesuit College, which is considered the origin of Vilnius University. Historical circumstances led to more than one change in the function of the Church, though it has always been surrounded by the academic community. The Church was closed in 1948 and during the Soviet era housed a museum of science. It was re-consecrated in 1991 and is again tended by the Jesuits.

One of the chapels is dedicated to St. Ann. It is also known as the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception because its portal is decorated with a painting of the Mother of God in the clouds, surrounded by two Guardian Angels.Leggi altro