Things to Do in St. Anne's Church, Lietuva

St. Anne's Church (Šv. Onos bažnyčia) stands as one of Vilnius's most iconic and architecturally stunning landmarks, representing the pinnacle of Gothic architecture in Lithuania. This masterpiece of late Gothic style, built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, captivates visitors with its intricate red brick façade featuring 33 different types of clay bricks arranged in mesmerizing patterns. The church's flame-like spires and delicate tracery create an almost ethereal appearance that has inspired countless artists and architects throughout the centuries. Located in Vilnius's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, St. Anne's Church is perfectly positioned for exploring the Lithuanian capital's rich historical center. The surrounding area offers a treasure trove of medieval streets, baroque churches, and charming courtyards that tell the story of Lithuania's complex history. Legend has it that Napoleon himself was so enchanted by the church's beauty that he wished to carry it back to Paris in the palm of his hand, testament to its extraordinary architectural significance in the Baltic region.

Top Things to Do in St. Anne's Church

Gothic Architecture Photography Tour

Capture the intricate details of St. Anne's Church's famous brick façade and explore other Gothic and Baroque architectural gems throughout Vilnius Old Town. Professional photography guides help visitors understand the best angles and lighting conditions while sharing historical insights about each building's unique features.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9-11 AM) for optimal lighting on the church façade. Tours cost around €25-35 per person and include visits to 5-6 architectural highlights. Look for guides with art history backgrounds.

Old Town Walking Tour

Discover the medieval streets surrounding St. Anne's Church on comprehensive walking tours that cover Vilnius's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. These tours typically include visits to the nearby Bernardine Church, Cathedral Square, and the winding cobblestone streets that showcase centuries of Lithuanian history.

Booking Tip: Choose small group tours (maximum 12 people) for better interaction with guides. Prices range from €15-25 per person for 2-3 hour tours. Book tours that specifically mention St. Anne's Church as a highlight.

Lithuanian History and Culture Experience

Immerse yourself in Lithuania's rich cultural heritage through guided experiences that explain the historical context of St. Anne's Church and its role in Lithuanian identity. These tours often include visits to nearby museums, traditional craft demonstrations, and insights into the country's struggle for independence.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural tours cost €40-60 per person and often include lunch at traditional restaurants. Book with local Lithuanian guides for authentic perspectives. Spring through fall offers the best weather for outdoor portions.

Religious Heritage Tour

Explore the spiritual significance of St. Anne's Church alongside other important religious sites in Vilnius, including the Cathedral, Orthodox churches, and Jewish heritage sites. These tours provide insight into Lithuania's diverse religious history and the role of faith in shaping the nation's identity.

Booking Tip: Religious tours cost €20-30 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include interior access where possible. Some sites may have dress codes, so inquire about appropriate attire when booking.

Evening Illumination Tour

Experience St. Anne's Church and Vilnius Old Town transformed by atmospheric evening lighting that highlights the Gothic architecture's dramatic features. These special tours showcase how the medieval cityscape takes on a magical quality after dark, with carefully planned routes for optimal viewing of illuminated landmarks.

Booking Tip: Evening tours run year-round but are most atmospheric in winter months. Cost around €20-30 per person for 2-hour tours. Book tours that start around sunset for the best transition from daylight to illuminated views.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport is located just 7 kilometers south of the city center, with regular bus connections (routes 1 and 2) taking 15-20 minutes to reach the Old Town where St. Anne's Church is located. The airport serves numerous European destinations with direct flights from major cities including London, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Warsaw. For overland travel, Vilnius is well-connected by bus and train to other Baltic capitals, with comfortable coach services from Riga (4.5 hours) and ferry connections via Klaipėda for those arriving from Scandinavia. The city's central bus and train stations are within walking distance of the Old Town.

Getting Around

Vilnius Old Town, where St. Anne's Church is located, is highly walkable with most major attractions within a 10-15 minute walk of each other on well-maintained cobblestone streets. The city operates an efficient public transportation system of buses and trolleybuses, though visitors staying in the Old Town rarely need public transport for sightseeing. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available and affordable for longer distances. For those preferring active transportation, Vilnius offers bike-sharing systems and numerous bike rental shops, though cycling on cobblestones requires some caution.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center

Užupis Artistic Quarter

New Town Business District

Žvėrynas Residential Area

Antakalnis Neighborhood

Near Central Station

Food & Dining

The area around St. Anne's Church offers an excellent variety of dining options, from traditional Lithuanian restaurants serving cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) to contemporary Nordic-inspired establishments. The Old Town features numerous cozy cafés perfect for warming up after exploring the church, many housed in historic cellars and courtyards. Local specialties include game dishes, dark rye breads, and seasonal ingredients, while the growing craft beer scene offers perfect pairings with hearty Lithuanian fare. Many restaurants near the church offer outdoor seating during warmer months, providing lovely views of the medieval architecture.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit St. Anne's Church is during late spring through early fall (May-September) when the weather is pleasant for walking around the Old Town and the longer daylight hours allow for better photography of the intricate Gothic details. Summer months offer the warmest weather and numerous outdoor festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Winter visits have their own charm, with the church looking particularly striking against snow and the Christmas markets adding festive atmosphere, though temperatures can drop well below freezing. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall provide the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Visit St. Anne's Church in the early morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting to appreciate the intricate brickwork details and avoid tour group crowds

The church is best photographed from the small square in front, but also explore the side streets for unique angular perspectives that showcase its relationship to neighboring Bernardine Church

Combine your visit with the adjacent Bernardine Church, which offers interior access and houses beautiful frescoes, as St. Anne's Church itself is primarily admired from the exterior

Things to Do in St. Anne's Church