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The architect Michail Prozorov designed the rectangular building with three-walled apse according to the requirements of Karaim liturgy
The oriental-style exterior has a protruding central part and the onion-shaped dome over it. The distinctive exterior of the building emphasises its unique purpose
In 1949, the Kenessa, along with many other sacral buildings, was nationalized and closed down. In 1988, it was returned to the Karaim community. In 1993, it was re-consecrated and has remained open since
All photos are copyrighted by Vladislav B. Sotirovic
© Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2020
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Trakų St. finishes where it meets Pylimo St, which runs along the course of the old city wall. There used to be a gate here, which was pulled down together with the wall at the very beginning of the 19th century. In the niche of the Umiastowski estate (Trakų St. 2) there is a Statue of "The City Guard" (1973) In Trakų Street, there is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption that was founded here by the noble Goštautas family in 1387, the same year as Lithuania became converted to Christianity. However, it is believed that the church with the monastery existed even earlierOne of courtyards of the buildings in Trakų StreetAll photos are copyrighted by Vladislav B. Sotirovic© Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2020
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The church received its current form in 1738-1749 after fires in the cityThe church was rebuilted by Vilnius Baroque architect J. K. Glaubitz in the ornate Late Baroque style, and installed 24 altars insite The church bell tower received its current shape in 1737. The bell tower is 68 m tall. It is the tallest building in Vilnius Old TownAll photos are copyrighted by Vladislav B. Sotirovic© Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2018
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The present church was built in the late 17th century, after its predecessor was burnt down in the 1655 during the war with Russia. The church was completed only in the middle of the 18th century The nave is 24 metres high, making it the tallest in Vilnius; and its length is the same, with accounts for its concentrated appearance when viewed from the sideIn the north tower is a particularly ornate chapel, dedicated to the Dominican St. Hyacinth, with frescoes depicting scenes from his life. The fresco above the entrance depicts the Virgin Mary and Angels. The church was returned to the Dominicans in 1993All photos are copyrighted by Vladislav B. Sotirovic© Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2018
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Continue ReadingTrakų Street in Vilnius
St. Johns’ Church
Church of St. Jacob and Philip (2)
Stiklų St. in the Old Town in Vilnius
The Church of the Holy Trinity and Trinapolis in Vilnius
The Church of St. Parasceve
“Republic of Užupis”
The Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (II)
The Museum of Archaeology of Lithuania
House-Monument with Gothic Façade
Sapieha Estate and Park
The Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (III)
The House of Signatories (Karol Sztral’s House)
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Tyzenhauzų Str. building in Vilnius
St. Ignatius Street
The Inner Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius
The Church of St. George the Martyr
Gediminas Tower
The Building in Vilnius Street No. 25