Ultimate Kretinga Lithuania Travel Guide – Explore Amazing Lithuania

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

Kretinga Manor House
Kretinga Manor House

The Kretinga Manor House welcomes its visitors with 24 surviving buildings of the manor complex and a well-kept manor park, decorated with sculptures and fountains.  In the park, you can find a double-sided bench carved in a block of stone, better known as the stone of love.

A Place Full of Romance

The legend has it that the stone marks the secret meeting place of Russian Empress Catherine II and the then manor owner Platon Zubov. It is believed that after revealing their feelings to the stone of love, lovers will live happily ever after.

In 2013, Ana Karenina was filmed at the manor.  In the 19th century, the Kretinga Manor passed to Count Juozapas Tiškevičius (Tyszkiewicz), who rebuilt the palace and established an impressive orangery.

The three-story orangery a.k.a. the Winter Garden, offers a place for respite surrounded by greenery and fresh air in any season. The garden has over 500 species of plants.

It was once one of the largest private orangeries in Europe. The manor was also distinguished by the fact that it had its hydroelectric power plant and a telephone line connecting this manor with the manors of Plungė and Rietavas. It is one of the few manor sites that has preserved nearly all the buildings or their fragments to this day.

Kretinga Manor House Opening Hours and Contact Information

Address: Vilniaus g. 33

Telephone: +370 445 77612

Opening hours:

Autumn – winter season (09.01 – 06.01)

Museum
I-II Closed
III-VII 10.00-18.00
Winter Garden
I-Closed
II-VII 10.00 -18.00

Summer season (06.01 – 08.31)

Museum
I-II Closed
III-VII 10.00-18.00
Winter Garden
I-10.00-18.00
II-VII 10.00–20.00

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

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

The Ensemble of the Franciscan Monastery and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Kretinga is a remarkable historical site that has left an indelible mark on the town. Let’s delve into its fascinating story.

Origins and Construction

The ensemble dates back more than 400 years and is one of the oldest in the region. It comprises the Bernadine Monastery and the Church of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, a nobleman from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, sponsored the construction of this religious complex between 1605 and 1617. The ensemble was built to commemorate Chodkiewicz’s victory in the Battle of Salaspils and stands as a testament to his legacy.

Architectural Treasures of the Monastery

Despite enduring numerous historical shocks, the ensemble has preserved several remarkable features. Among the treasures are some of the oldest doors in Lithuania. The church also houses the oldest organs in the country.

Visitors can admire the miraculous painting of Saint Anthony and the crypts of the Chodkiewicz family lying within the monastery.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the church tower, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Kretinga from a height of 42 meters.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The ensemble holds invaluable historical objects, including ancient books, religious artifacts, and paintings. It has been a place of worship, reflection, and community for centuries, shaping the lives of those who visit. The monastery and church continue to play a vital role in the spiritual life of Kretinga.

Address: Vilniaus Str. 2, Kretinga

Kretinga Lithuania Map


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