Three Crosses
Three Crosses features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Vilnius. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Vilnius Vilnius guide
About Three Crosses
Three white crosses on a hill above the Old Town: a 1916 monument demolished by the Soviets in 1950 and rebuilt in 1989, now a favourite viewpoint over Vilnius.
The Three Crosses is a white monument of three crosses standing on a hill in Kalnai Park, east of Gediminas Hill and overlooking Vilnius Old Town. Wooden crosses have stood on the hill since the early 17th century, documented by 1649. In 1916, while Vilnius was under German occupation in the First World War, a reinforced-concrete monument was raised to a design by the architect-sculptor Antoni Wiwulski (Antanas Vivulskis).
Soviet authorities demolished that monument on 30 May 1950 and buried its remains, fragments of which survive at the foot of the hill. A new monument, designed by Henrikas Šilgalis and sculpted by Stanislovas Kuzma, was unveiled on 14 June 1989 during the Lithuanian independence movement, standing about 1.8 metres taller than the 1916 original. It became a symbol of national identity and of resistance to Soviet rule; the hilltop gives a panorama over the Old Town, within the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Did you know? Soviet authorities demolished the 1916 Three Crosses monument on 30 May 1950 and buried its remains; a new monument was unveiled on 14 June 1989 during the independence movement.
How long is a visit to Three Crosses?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Three Crosses. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Three Crosses worth your time?
Three Crosses is among the 21 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Vilnius, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Vilnius
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Three Crosses and read more:
Day 2 of the Vilnius in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Three Crosses
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