In the former suburb of Subačius, next to the bastion of the Vilnius defensive wall, the Rococo-style Vilnius Missionary Monastery and the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, also known as the Missionaries, welcomes you with its graceful towers and proportions. Last year, the revival of this unique complex, which is one of the most important architectural points of interest in the historical center of Vilnius, began. The eastern tower of the church has already been restored, and the maintenance of the main facade is currently finished. The maintenance work project is planned for the entire church and monastery complex. It is also planned to clean up the plot by restoring and supplementing the old system of paths and roads, by installing parking spaces. A pilgrims' house and a hotel will be located in the missionary monastery, and the church space after the reconstruction will be used for events and will become a concert and conference center. The church is built on a large hill, which was built in the XNUMXth century. The missionary monks who arrived in the second half called it Mount Savior. A picturesque view of the old town of Vilnius opens from it panorama.
The Missionary Order was founded in 1625 and was guided by the principles of poverty and simplicity. Missionary monks engaged in pastoral care, mercy, charity, educational activities, and spread culture. The missionaries started building the church in 1695, funded by the noble Teofilis Pliarer, but due to the difficult times - fires, Swedish invasion, plague epidemic and lack of funds, the construction lasted until 1730. and lasted 35 years. Thanks to patrons, construction was renewed in 1722. Church towers and pediment were built thanks to the donations of Antanas Novosielski, the castellan of Naugarduk, and in 1730 the church is consecrated in the name of the Ascension of the Lord. Basilica church, Trinave.
The church acquired its current appearance in 1750-1754, when the church towers were raised and pediments were built according to the project of one of the most famous architects of Vilnius, Jonas Kristupas Glaubic, in 1755-1756. presented portico with refined dome. The decoration of the church facade is rich in decorative Rococo elements, the abundance of Rococo moldings is visible - rocailles, cartouches, stylized capitals, the niches of the tower are decorated with illusion windows. The niches of the second stage of the main facade are decorated with sculptures of Moses and David. Grace is given to the church by 4 crosses, 2 decorative tops, 9 lattices, which in 1753 forged by Vilnius blacksmiths.
During the Soviet era, the church was turned into a warehouse, the church's property was nationalized, and later the funds of the Lithuanian National Museum were stored there. After the restoration of independence, the church was returned to the archdiocese of Vilnius.
KPD information
