Three Crosses

The monument on Kalnų hill consists of three white concrete crosses rising about 12 meters high above the valley. The structure dominates the hilltop and commands views toward Old Town and the Vilnelė River below.

Wooden crosses originally stood here to mark Franciscan monks who died at this location. The first concrete monument was built in 1916, destroyed in 1950, and rebuilt in 1989.

The monument connects deeply to Lithuanian identity and appeared on former banknotes. The three crosses represent the bond between faith and national freedom that visitors often sense when standing here.

You reach the monument via paths through Kalnų Park, which are easy to walk from the city center. The best time to visit is during daylight when views are clear and the hilltop feels less crowded.

After its destruction under Soviet rule, the monument was not simply reconstructed but rebuilt by local sculptors with a new artistic vision. This shows how a symbol can retain meaning even when its physical form changes.

Location: Vilnius

Inception: 1916

Architects: Henrikas Kęstutis Šilgalis

Elevation above the sea: 112 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 54.68674,25.29755

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49