The Gate of Dawn

The Gate of Dawn which were first mentioned in 1514 could be named by many people as a religious and cultural object which is often visited by tourists. However, the primary purpose of the Gate of Dawn was defensive. It was one of nine gates which together with the brick wall made defensive fortifications of Vilnius. The shooting openings seen on the outer side of the gate witness this. The current name appeared only in the early 20^th century, however, its origin is unknown. The painting of the Virgin Mary in the Gate Chapel was being worshiped as sacred for several hundred years. This is one of a few Madonna’s pictures without a baby. There is nothing known of the author of the painting and how it appeared in Vilnius either in the annals or in the chronicles. During the period of the press ban, the Gate of Dawn guarded book smugglers. On 4 September 1993, Pope John Paul II was praying a rosary here.

Vilnius

Walk

Adapted for the disabled

54.6743, 25.2895

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Nearby objects