The painting of the Virgin Mary was originally part of a diptych, with the other half depicting Christ Salvator.
The icon is painted on eight oak boards and is covered in gilded silver and gold plates added in the 17th century.
The Gates of Dawn were originally named 'Medininkai Gate' because they led to the village of Medininkai.
The original city wall of Vilnius had ten gates; this is the only one that was not demolished by the Tsarist authorities in the 19th century.
Pope John Paul II prayed here during his visit to Lithuania in 1993, which significantly elevated the site's international status.
The chapel's exterior wall was originally open to the street, and it was only enclosed in the 18th century.
Devotees believe the icon has miraculous powers, attributed to it as early as the 17th century.
The site remains a rare example of a Catholic shrine that is prominently integrated into a public transit path.
The Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai) is the only surviving city gate of the original 16th-century defensive wall in Vilnius. It houses a small chapel above the archway containing a revered 17th-century icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy. The painting is notable for being one of the few depictions of the Virgin Mary without the infant Jesus. The chapel is accessible via a staircase from the side of the building, separate from the street-level passage. It is one of the most significant religious sites in Lithuania, serving as a pilgrimage destination for Catholics from across Eastern Europe. The gate's exterior facade features a Renaissance-style arch, while the chapel interior reflects Baroque and Neoclassical influences. Pilgrims often leave silver votive offerings at the site, which have been collected for centuries.
From the street level looking up at the iconic white and yellow facade of the chapel arch.
Visit the small chapel on the second floor rather than just walking through the street archway.
Be mindful that this is an active place of worship; maintain silence and observe liturgical boundaries.
Look for the small staircase on the side of the building to reach the chapel entrance.
Attempting to take photos inside the chapel, as it is strictly forbidden and monitored by staff.
Cover shoulders and knees; remove hats; maintain silence; photography is strictly prohibited inside the chapel.
