Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius, Lithuania
One of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, filled with baroque churches and courtyards.
Church, mosque or temple · Lithuania · Vilnius County
Church of St Anne
A tiny Gothic church of red brick with an intricate facade, admired for centuries.
about 30 min
For storytellers
Why Church of St Anne matters
This small church is one of the prettiest in the city, a Gothic fantasy of red brick shaped into delicate towers and curves. Napoleon, as the story goes, was so impressed that he wished he could carry it home on his hand. It is hard to confirm the tale, but standing in front of it you can see why it was told. Next door are the larger buildings of a Bernardine church, which complement it.
Talking points
- A popular tale says Napoleon wanted to take it to Paris in his palm.
- The facade is made of dozens of different moulded bricks.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
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Within about 40 km, closest first.