Church of St Francis of Assisi (Bernardine Church)

A Gothic landmark beside St Anne's

The Church of St Francis of Assisi — known to locals as the Bernardine Church (Bernardinų bažnyčia), dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and St Bernardino of Siena — is one of the most striking sights in Vilnius Old Town. Built by Bernardine (Observant Franciscan) friars in the early 16th century, with the present church largely raised between 1506 and 1516, it is one of the largest Gothic religious buildings in Lithuania. Its tall brick walls, buttresses and beautiful crystal, cross and star vaulted ceilings make it a textbook example of Lithuanian Gothic, even as later Renaissance and Baroque additions left their mark.

Visitors most often single out the way the church sits shoulder to shoulder with the smaller, more delicate St Anne's Church next door. Together the two brick churches form a celebrated ensemble that has anchored postcards of Vilnius for generations, and they are usually toured together. Inside, the mood is peaceful and spiritual, with beautiful wooden altars and historic frescoes; some areas are periodically under restoration, so expect occasional scaffolding.

• Dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and St Bernardino of Siena
• Present Gothic church largely built 1506–1516
• Returned to the Franciscans and re-consecrated in 1994
• Hosts community life such as 'Sunday Soup' and parishioner art exhibitions

Good to know

The church stands at Maironio g. 10 in the Old Town, an easy walk from Cathedral Square and a few steps from Užupis across the river. It remains an active, welcoming Roman Catholic parish, with regular services including a Sunday Mass in English; the 10:30 Sunday Mass is interpreted into Lithuanian Sign Language. As Mass times, English-service schedules and any restoration access can change, check the parish before a special visit, and keep voices low if a service is under way.