Pritam Rohila Travels: 2012, SEPTEMBER 11: LITHUANIA, VILNIUS

From Sts. Paul & Peter Church, we proceeded to Aušros Vartai, the city’s oldest street. On its southern end is the Gate of Dawn.

Gate of Dawn, Vilnius

Of the nine city gates, which were built in early 16^th century, as parts of defensive, it is the only one still standing. The others were destroyed by the order of the government at the end of the 18th century.

On its top on the north side is the Chapel, which has an icon of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy. The icon is believed to have miraculous powers.

Gate of Dawn (North-side), Vilnius

Virgin Mary Icon, Gate of Dawn Chapel, Vilnius

Ausros Vartau is lined with many buildings, including souvenir shops and churches

Austos Vartau Street, Vilnius

Souvenir Shop

Then we came to St. Theresa’s Church with its elaborate façade.

St. Theresa's Church

The beautiful arched entrance to Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit is close by.

Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit

The church is the city’s Polish Catholic community’s main place of worship. Well-preserved bodies of the three saints Anthony, Ivan and Eustace, who had been killed on a nearby hill in 1347, are kept here. Their icons grace the space above the main door.

Sts. Anthony, Ivan & Eustace

On the other side of the street is the Church of the Holy Trinity and Basilian Monastery, which belongs to the Uniates of the Basilian Order. But most of it is now in ruins, except for its elaborate gate.

Then we walked through some streets and by a few restaurants and churches toward our next destination, the historic Town Hall Square.