Three Crosses Monument

The Three Crosses stand on a hilltop in Kalnų Park, overlooking the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town. These striking white concrete monuments are among the most recognizable symbols of the Lithuanian capital and carry deep historical and spiritual significance. According to legend, seven Franciscan monks were martyred on this hill in the 14th century — four were killed and three were tied to crosses and thrown into the Vilnelė River. Wooden crosses were first erected on the hill in the 17th century. The current concrete crosses were built in 1916, but Soviet authorities demolished them in 1950 using explosives. In 1989, as Lithuania pushed for independence, the crosses were rebuilt and became a powerful symbol of national revival and religious freedom. Today they are illuminated at night, creating a dramatic beacon visible from across the city. The hilltop offers one of the finest panoramic views of Vilnius Old Town, making the short but steep climb doubly rewarding.