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Vilnius Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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The Vilnius Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Franciscan Church, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. This Gothic sanctuary, located in Vilnius Old Town, later acquired Baroque features.

Since the 14th century, the church has undergone numerous transformations: in the 19th century, it served as a grain warehouse, and in the 20th century, as an archive. In 1998, the church was returned to the faithful and is now renowned for its miraculous White Madonna statue.

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Religious Heritage
Vilnius

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The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, more widely known as the Franciscan Church, traces its history back to the 14th century. Situated in Vilnius Old Town, it belongs to the Franciscan monastery. The churchyard features the Suzin Chapel-Mausoleum, adding to the site's historical significance. Built in the Gothic style, the church gained Baroque architectural elements in the 18th century. Unfortunately, in the early 19th century, during Napoleon’s invasion, the sanctuary suffered significant damage and was converted into a grain warehouse. Later, it functioned as an archive before being returned to the Franciscans in the early 20th century. During the Soviet era, the church was repurposed as an

archive for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Lithuanian SSR. Following the restoration of independence, the church was returned to the faithful in 1998 and underwent restoration. Today, the church is distinguished not only by its architecture but also by the miraculous statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the White Madonna), recently unveiled to visitors. Recent events have also shaped the church's history: in 2013, the Supreme Court of Lithuania returned the adjacent monastery buildings to the state, and in 2017, they were transferred to the Conventual Franciscan Order. Despite debates surrounding this decision, the sanctuary remains one of the most important cultural and spiritual heritage sites in Vilnius.

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