The Three Crosses Monument in Vilnius

The Three Crosses Monument in Vilnius is one of the most recognizable and significant landmarks in the city. This monument, made of reinforced concrete, is a majestic composition of three white crosses that stand proudly on the Hill of Three Crosses. The monument is visible from many points across the city, serving as a true symbol of Vilnius and catching the eyes of all travelers. The original wooden crosses, dated back to the early 17th century, were erected on the hill where, according to legend, seven Franciscan friars were martyred during pagan times.

These crosses collapsed in 1869, and Tsarist authorities did not allow their rebuilding. A concrete monument designed by Antoni Wiwulski was erected in 1916 and demolished by Soviet authorities in 1950. A new monument, designed by Henrikas Šilgalis, was erected in its place in 1989. Today, the modern Three Crosses Monument serves as a canvas for light installations and offers a panoramic view of Vilnius from the hilltop. It is a must-see for any tourist visiting Lithuania's capital.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons