See & Do

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of the oldest churches in Vilnius — a Franciscan church on Trakų Street blending Gothic and Baroque, known for its 'White Madonna', star-vaulted ceilings and fine acoustics.

Updated Jun 20262 min read·2 sections

A side view of a large yellow-brick Neo-Romanesque church with arched windows, surrounded by green lawns and framed by lush trees under a bright blue sky.

The short version

✓Among the oldest church sites in Vilnius, with roots in the late 13th century
✓A blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture
✓The revered 'White Madonna' statue and star-vaulted ceilings
✓Excellent acoustics with occasional free organ concerts

An ancient Franciscan church

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Švč. Mergelės Marijos Ėmimo į dangų bažnyčia) on Trakų Street is one of the most historically significant churches in Vilnius. Archaeology shows this is one of the earliest places where Catholicism was practised in the city: a first Franciscan church stood here at the end of the 13th century, was rebuilt in 1421 after being burned during a Crusader raid, and grew over the centuries into the captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque you see today. Locals sometimes call it simply the Franciscan church.

Vilnius Churches — Vilnius, Lithuania — Hans-Joachim Kaiser · Unsplash License

Inside, the mood is serene, calm and deeply spiritual — a genuine escape from the city. Look for the much-loved 'White Madonna' (the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception), venerated for its graces since the 18th century, and the beautiful star-vaulted ceilings. The church is known for excellent acoustics, with occasional free organ concerts, and Masses are held in both Lithuanian and Polish.

Franciscan church first built at the end of the 13th century
Rebuilt in 1421 after a Crusader attack
Home to the venerated 'White Madonna' statue
Returned to the Conventual Franciscan friars in 1998

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Good to know

The church is at Trakų g. 9 in the western part of the Old Town, an easy walk from Town Hall Square. The exterior has been under long-term renovation, but the magnificent interior remains open for prayer and visits. As Mass times, concert dates and any restoration access change, confirm them locally before a special visit, and keep quiet while services are under way.