Three Crosses

The Monument of the Three Crosses is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Vilnius, perched atop the Bleak Hill that towers over the Old Town. According to local legend, seven Franciscan monks were martyred on this site in the 14th century by pagan locals, which led to the erection of wooden crosses in their memory. The current majestic concrete crosses, which shine brightly above the city, were erected in 1989 as a powerful symbol of the Lithuanian national rebirth. They replace the monument originally created in 1916 by architect Antanas Vivulskis, which was dynamited in 1950 by order of the Soviet authorities during a nighttime operation; the rubble of those old crosses can still be seen at the base of the hill. The strenuous climb up steep wooden stairs is generously rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views over all of Vilnius. The site exudes a magical atmosphere, particularly in the evening when the crosses are illuminated against the setting sun.

Nearby cities

Alytus

Alytus is the unofficial capital of the Dzūkija region in southern Lithuania.

Alytus area

The area around Alytus lies on the banks of the Nemunas.

Jonava

Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.

Utena

Utena is an industrial city in eastern Lithuania and one of the oldest settlements in the country.

Kėdainiai Old Town

Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.

Kėdainiai

Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.

Ukmergė

Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.

Ukmergė area

The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.

Elektrėnai

Elektrėnai is a modern city founded during the Soviet era as a residence for the workers of the local power plant.

Grigiškės

Grigiškės is an industrial city west of Vilnius on the Voke River.

Anykščiai

Anykščiai is known as the literary capital of Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.

Trakų Vokė

Trakų Vokė is located in the suburban area of Vilnius.

Lentvaris

Lentvaris is an industrial city near Vilnius and Trakai.

Garliava

Garliava is a growing city located immediately south of Kaunas.

Kaišiadorys

Kaišiadorys is an important railway junction between Vilnius and Kaunas.

History & landmarks

Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval town centers in Northern Europe.

Kaunas Town Hall

The Town Hall in the main square of Kaunas is often called the 'White Swan' due to its elegant shape and white facade.

Vilnius Town Hall

A Neoclassical landmark in the heart of the Old Town, designed by Laurynas Gucevičius.

Merkinė

A historic settlement at the confluence of the Nemunas and Merkys rivers, famous for its massive hillfort.