Gates of Dawn

Lonely Planet review

The 16th-century Gates of Dawn is the only one of the town wall's original nine gates still intact. The gate houses the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the black-and-gold 'miracle-working' Virgin Mary icon. A gift from the Crimea by Grand Duke Algirdas in 1363, it is one of the holiest icons in Polish Catholicism, and the faithful arrive in droves to offer it whispered prayer.

When the Russians destroyed the old city walls in the 18th century, they spared Aušros Vartai, fearing bad luck if they tampered with the resting place of the Virgin icon. The Soviets likewise refused to touch it. Look up as you're exiting Old Town and you can spot the icon through the window of the chapel.