The construction of the Gothic red brick church of irregular shape with a massive dominating tower was most probably started in the 15th century (the presbytery was built first), and finished in the 16th century. Damaged during the Russian occupation of middle of the 17th century, it stood deserted for a long time. In 1750 friars of St. Roch Order settled in the church and established a shelter for the sick. St. Gertrude church was renovated extensively between 1785 and 1794, with the interior acquiring features of late Baroque and early Classicism. In 1825 the monastery and church were transferred to the sister order of Caritas, who continued the works of the St. Roch Order. The occupying Russian government were against Catholic Church institutions looking after the sick in Kaunas, therefore, in 1842 the hospital was removed from the care of nuns and turned into a secular institution. In 1866 the convent was dissolved altogether. In 1922-1948 St. Gertrude church belonged to the Congregation of Marian Fathers, who constructed a stone monastery building. In 1948 the church was converted into a medical equipment shop, and finally in 1992 the church was returned back to the monks.

Vaida Kamuntavičienė