Places to visit

Ensemble of the Franciscan Monastery and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Most tourists in Kretinga visit the famous Kretinga Franciscan Monastery and the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary near the monastery. At the beginning of the 17th century, the military commander of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius ordered to build the complex. This is a monument for his victory in the Battle of Salaspilis. This is a monument which has changed the life of Kretinga. Invaluable historical objects, i.e. books, paintings, religious objects, are kept in the monastery and the church. The ensemble which dated back more than 400 years has survived more than one historical shock but one of the oldest doors in Lithuania, the oldest organs in the country, the miraculous painting of Saint Anthony, sarcophagi, crypts of Chodkevičius family can still be seen here. And it is worth finishing the visit with the tower of the church on which the view of Kretinga will open from 42 metre height.