Gate of Dawn
Aušros vartai
The only surviving medieval city gate in the Old Town. The chapel in the gate tower houses the icon of Our Lady of Mercy, which believers regard as miraculous, making it an important Catholic pilgrimage site in Eastern Europe.
The Gate of Dawn was built in the early 16th century. It is the only one of the nine original city gates in Vilnius’s city wall to survive. It stands at the southern end of the Old Town and is the main entrance for those walking in from the train station. The outer side (south) features a Renaissance gable decorated with griffins and knights bearing the Lithuanian coat of arms. The upper floor on the inner side is a neoclassical chapel, and through its window you can see the image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn (Mother of Mercy) directly from the street. This early 17th-century wooden panel painting, covered in gilded silver, is revered by both Catholics and Orthodox believers and is considered miraculous. The chapel walls are hung with silver heart-shaped votive offerings from worshippers. In 1993, Pope John Paul II prayed here. The stairway to the chapel is beside St. Teresa’s Church on the east side of the inner gate. Entry is free, so please keep quiet and do not disturb those praying. Walking north from the Gate of Dawn along Aušros Vartų Street, you will pass St. Teresa’s Church, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit and Town Hall Square. This is one of the most fascinating stretches of the Old Town.
Opening hours
City gate open all day; chapel about 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (prayer only during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Church of St. Theresa
- Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit
- Church of St. Casimir
- Halės Market
- Vilnius Town Hall & Town Hall Square
- Vilnius Choral Synagogue & Jewish Quarter
- Vilnius University
- Presidential Palace, Vilnius