Church was built 1615, initially constructed in gothic style, it was later reconstructed and adopted several features from baroque architecture. Inside is meant to be spacious and grandeur with graceful columns highlighting the walls and an ancient painting of Saint Mary. Ceiling is decorated with the art pieces of Lithuania’s coat of arms “Vytis”, Poland’s national symbol, the eagle, various families coats of arms and prayers for Saint Mary.

Merkinė church was visited by an substantial amount of notable people, Grand duke of Lithuania Vytautas, Jogaila, the king of Poland and numerous rulers of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Aleksandras, Žygimantas I, Žygimantas Augustas, Steponas Batoras, Vladislovas Vaza, švedų karalius Karolis XII.