Three Crosses Monument — Attraction in Vilnius

Trijų kryžių kalnas is not only a powerful symbol of Vilnius but also one of the best spots for a panoramic view of the city. The walk up is a bit steep but manageable – around 10–15 minutes from Bernardine Gardens or the stairs near the Artillery Bastion. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if the weather is wet, as the paths can get slippery.

Facilities are quite basic – there are no cafés or toilets directly on the hill, so it’s better to use the facilities in Bernardine Gardens or nearby Old Town before climbing up. The area is safe and well-maintained, and in the evenings the crosses are beautifully illuminated. It’s worth timing your visit for sunset – the colors over Vilnius are unforgettable.

Practical tips: • Best access: start from Bernardine Gardens, follow the marked path. • No entry fee, open all day and night. • Bring water on hot days. • Perfect spot for photos, so don’t forget your camera or power bank. • Families with children should plan extra time – kids usually love running around the open space at the top. • Great for couples too – very romantic in the evening light.

Overall, this is one of Vilnius’ most iconic and meaningful places, combining history, legends, and breathtaking views. Highly recommended!

My wife and I visited Vilnius in November 2023. We truly loved this green and brilliant clean European city. One of the places we wanted to reach a d subsequently liked the most was the Three Crosses Monument (Lithuanian: Trys kryžiai) on the Hill of Three Crosses (Lt. Kreivasis Kalnas). The tiny road to this monument was very nice and pleasant, and it was all in the trees around. The monument is made of three white concrete crosses that are visible from far away (we saw it also from the historic hill across the Vilnia River). They are a symbol of the city and its history. The crosses were built to remember seven Franciscan friars who were killed by pagans in the 14th century. They were beheaded on this hill and thrown into the river. The first wooden crosses were built here before 1649, but they collapsed in 1869. The current monument was designed by architect Antanas Vivulskis in 1916, but it was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1950. It was rebuilt in 1989, just before Lithuania became independent again. We enjoyed the view of the Old Town from the top of the hill. It was beautiful and utterly peaceful.

Beautiful and quite breathtaking,

The Three Crosses Monument is a prominent landmark located in the city of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The monument consists of three white crosses standing on top of a hill overlooking the city, and is one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks of Vilnius.

The history of the Three Crosses Monument dates back to the 17th century, when three wooden crosses were erected on the hill to commemorate seven monks who were killed by pagans in the area. Over time, the crosses were destroyed and rebuilt several times, until the current monument was erected in 1916.

The current crosses were made of reinforced concrete and stand at a height of 10 meters. They are illuminated at night, making them visible from many parts of the city. The hill on which the monument stands is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the panoramic views of Vilnius and the surrounding areas.