Kaunas Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Garrison Church)

This large domed church presides over Independence Square in the newer centre of Kaunas. Built at the end of the nineteenth century as an Orthodox garrison church for the Russian army, it was later adapted for Roman Catholic worship and, under Soviet rule, served briefly as a stained-glass gallery. Its neo-Byzantine silhouette with a broad central dome and corner turrets closes the vista of the city's main pedestrian avenue. The square in front is a gathering place for events, protests and celebrations.