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 of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the early 17th century, Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius, a military commander of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, commissioned the construction of this complex as a monument to his victory in the Battle of Salaspils. It became a landmark that shaped the history of Kretinga. The monastery and church house invaluable historical treasures, including books, paintings, and religious artifacts. This ensemble, dating back more than 400 years, has withstood numerous historical upheavals. Visitors can still admire one of the oldest doors in Lithuania, the country’s oldest pipe organ, the miraculous painting of Saint Anthony, as well as the sarcophagi and crypts of the Chodkevičius family. A perfect way to end your visit is by climbing the church tower, where a panoramic view of Kretinga opens up from a height of 42 metres.