In 1635 or 1636, after the establishment of the Franciscan monastery, Jews began to settle in the town, who in 1642 received a privilege to keep a distillery. The Valkininkai church barely stood out in the town, so in 1635 - 1650 a Franciscan monastery was built. The double-towered church with 2-storey U-plan monastery buildings rose on the western outskirts of Valkininkai, behind Merkys. This Renaissance and Baroque architectural complex became the most important landmark of the town and the surrounding area.
In 1832, the Franciscan monastery was abolished, and a military unit was established in it. By 1867-1868, the monastery building was adapted for barracks; the church towers were demolished, and the rest of it was rebuilt into a church. The town and the surrounding area lost a significant landmark.
In 1920 – In 1939, Valkininkai was occupied by Poland, many people emigrated, the town almost did not grow. The army was stationed in the former monastery. In 1939, Valkininkai was returned to Lithuania. During World War II, Valkininkai suffered, the former Franciscan monastery was blown up.
Translated by Google •
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