Gates of Dawn in Vilnius

Today, most people associate the Gates of Dawn with a house of prayer. However, a few centuries ago, the name Gates of Dawn referred to part of Vilnius’ defensive wall. At that time, the city’s defensive wall had ten gates, though the Gates of Dawn are the only ones to have survived to the present day. The structure’s defensive function is reflected by the firing openings that are still visible on the outside of the gate.

The miraculous painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy in the Gates of Dawn is one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in Lithuania. It’s also called the Madonna of the Gates of Dawn or the Madonna of Vilnius. It was painted specifically for this chapel in the 17th century, following the example of Dutch painter Martin de Vos. The painting is worshiped and regarded as magical by Catholics, Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox. It is known worldwide.