Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Mariä-Verkündigungs-Kirche

In 1602, a first wooden church was built in Kretinga. From 1605 to 1610, the Bernardines built a monastery and from 1610 to 1617 a stone church was built with the support of the Grand Herman of Lithuania Jan Karol Chodkiewicz. The altar of the church contains a miraculous image of St Anthony of Padua, which has attracted many pilgrims over the centuries. The monastery and the church were raided twice by the Swedish army (in 1659 and in 1710), but the buildings got repaired and renewed. In 1907–1912 the church was rebuilt, two side naves were annexed and a transept was built, as well as a new wooden tower. In mid-20th century, the church was damaged by the fire and was also partially damaged during World War II. Finally, the Soviet government confiscated the property and limited the church's activities. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Franciscan Observants returned to the monastery in 1989 and were able to put it back into official use in 1991. This round chapel stands in the former cemetery directly next to the church.

In 1602, a first wooden church was built in Kretinga. From 1605 to 1610, the Bernardines built a monastery and from 1610 to 1617 a stone church was built with the support of the Grand Herman of Lithuania Jan Karol Chodkiewicz. The altar of the church contains a miraculous image of St Anthony of Padua, which has attracted many pilgrims over the centuries. The monastery and the church were raided twice by the Swedish army (in 1659 and in 1710), but the buildings got repaired and renewed. In 1907–1912 the church was rebuilt, two side naves were annexed and a transept was built, as well as a new wooden tower. In mid-20th century, the church was damaged by the fire and was also partially damaged during World War II. Finally, the Soviet government confiscated the property and limited the church's activities. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Franciscan Observants returned to the monastery in 1989 and were able to put it back into official use in 1991. The pilgrims gave hundreds of votive offerings. Mainly legs, which amazes me with Antonius.

In 1602, a first wooden church was built in Kretinga. From 1605 to 1610, the Bernardines built a monastery and from 1610 to 1617 a stone church was built with the support of the Grand Herman of Lithuania Jan Karol Chodkiewicz. The altar of the church contains a miraculous image of St Anthony of Padua, which has attracted many pilgrims over the centuries. The monastery and the church were raided twice by the Swedish army (in 1659 and in 1710), but the buildings got repaired and renewed. In 1907–1912 the church was rebuilt, two side naves were annexed and a transept was built, as well as a new wooden tower. In mid-20th century, the church was damaged by the fire and was also partially damaged during World War II. Finally, the Soviet government confiscated the property and limited the church's activities. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Franciscan Observants returned to the monastery in 1989 and were able to put it back into official use in 1991.