Hill of Three Crosses, Vilnius

The Hill of Three Crosses rises high above Vilnius and is worth visiting for the view it commands.
There are many legends connected with the place. One of them claims that it was here that seven Franciscan missionaries brought to Vilnius by Duke Algirdas were crucified by pagans in his absence. Their bodies together with the crosses were thrown into the river. Then, but different sources give different times for this, three wooden crosses were erected at the top of the hill to commemorate their martyrdom.
Some historians claim that the crosses were erected to make it evident to the Teutonic Knights, who spread their faith by fire and sword, that they would be invading a Christian country.
Another theory maintains that they were there to show the gratitude of the citizens for the dying out of a plague.
Whatever their origin, the original three crosses fell down in 1869 and Tsarist authorities wouldn't allow the building of new ones. Permission to do that was given only in 1916, during another, this time German, occupation. The architect Antoni Wiwulski was now able to use reinforced concrete so that the crosses survived two periods of German occupation. However, in 1951 they had to be blown up by the order of the Communist authorities.
They were re-erected, now made even two metres higher than before, in 1989. The remains of the old crosses were dug up and placed at their foot.
The hill is accessible from Kosciuskos St.

Climbing up Gediminas hill you can have a look at the Hill of Three Crosses; it is a memorial place to remember the torture seven Franciscan monks were by the pagans.
When the Grand Duke Algirdas was absent, some pagans tied the monks up the hill and threw them down to the river Vilnele saying: ‘Swim with the idol you order us to worship’. Since that day the hill was named "of the Three Crosses" as three crosses were erected there to commemorate the sad event.

Yup, that's basically it. The Hill of Three Crosses is a popular sight in Vilnius but it's not too special. Three white crosses are built up there and now count as one of the symbols of Vilnius.
Historically interesting may be the fact that the original wooden crosses already existed in the 17th century but were changed to concrete in 1916. The Soviets destroyed them in the 1950s, but when Lithuania became independent again, the crosses were built anew.
The best thing you can probably say about the Hill of Three Crosses is the beautiful view from up there - but it demands some climbing!

The legend says that long ago seven Franciscan monks were crucified here. Crosses originally were erected in the 17th century but Stalin had them removed and buried and in 1989 were they rebuilt according to the original plans. The crosses are a great symbol of both Lithuanian mourning and hope.

Three Crosses Hill is a memorable place because seven Franciscan monks were tortured here by the pagans. When the Grand Duke Algirdas was absent, pagans tied them to the crosses and threw them down the hill to the river with the words: ‘Swim with the idol you order us to worship’. Since then the mount was given the name of the Three Crosses as three crosses were erected there to commemorate that event and they still are some kind of a symbol of Vilnius.

2 more images

I walked down from the Gedimino Hill and continued the search of the Three Crosses. I saw a tempting path by the river and followed it. After a while there were narrow steps up the hill and I wondered if they lead to the Three Crosses. I decided to give them a try and up I went. This was much tougher than climbing up the castle hill! Much steeper. It was a hot sunny day and sweat was running down my back. Then I saw the crosses but before taking the last part I sat on a bench for a while. Finally I was on the top and wondered for what. The view was marvellous, but the crosses? Oh well, not really interesting for me. According to the legends the Three Crosses were built to remember seven martyred Franciscan missionaries. Pagan Lithuanians tied them to crosses and threw them off the hill into the river. At this time Vilnius was ruled by Grand Duke Algirgas who got very angry punished the guilty. The Franciscans were buried on the hill and the chapel was built for them. Historians, however, confirm that this is all fiction.

As you are already at the Gediminas castle its not so far to go to the three crosses mountain.View there is even better( as it is a wee bit higher,too).More sport activities and more nice pics from the hill ;-)
p.s.For a good pics opportunity go early in the morning when all other tourists are still sleeping.Coz with the whole bus or twoof tourists on this small mountain of three crosses you will have to fight to get to see something, not talking about having some nice shots for your camera.

As you are going up the hill towards the Higher Castle Museum, you will see the Hill of 3 Crosses to your right. The three crosses on top of the hill symbolizes Lithuanians mourning and hope.
They were erected because Franiscan Monks were torture here, and the crosses were build in their honor.
I believe that you can climb to the top of the hill to the crosses, but we did not go up.