Gate of Dawn

The Gate of Dawn is the one city gate left of the old Vilnius walls, and above its arch a chapel holds a revered golden image of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims from Poland, Lithuania and beyond come to it, and the faithful pass through the gate below with heads bowed to the Madonna looking down.

What you actually see

• The Madonna chapel - the golden image of Mary above the gate arch.
• The gate itself - the surviving medieval city gate over the street.
• Silver offerings - the walls of votive hearts left by pilgrims.
• The approach street - Ausros Vartu leading up through the old town.

When to go

Year-round; it is quietest early in the day and busiest during pilgrimages and feast days. The chapel is reached by a stair beside the gate.

Honest expectations

It is a short visit, a chapel and a gate rather than a large site, though its meaning to believers is profound. It remains an active place of prayer, so dress and behave respectfully, especially during services. Photography inside the chapel may be restricted.

Nearby

The whole old town runs north from the gate; St Casimir's and the town hall are a short walk in.