Bernardine Gate

In 1503 King Alexander Jagiellon granted a privilege to the residents of Vilnius to fortify the city with a defensive wall to repel the potential attackers, as at the beginning of the 16th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was facing a growing military threat from Muscovites and Crimean Tatars. According to the privilege, the wall should feature five gates – all leading to the most important cities. However, in the middle of the 17th century, the city of Vilnius had 10 gates.

The tower of Bernardine gate stood next to the bridge that leads to Užupis, a little bit to the south from St. Anne church. The gate had not played a significant role in the town’s defense, as nearby Bernardine church and hills formed relatively good protection from the enemy. The gate served more as a representative role, richly decorated with volutes and pilasters, it greeted incoming travelers.

Address: Maironio St. 11