Three Crosses
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Three Crosses (Lithuanian: Trys kryžiai) is the monument in Vilnius, Lithuania, designed by Antoni Wiwulski.
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[edit] History
It was constructed in Kalnų (Hill) Park on the Hill of Three Crosses (alternatively, the Bleak Hill Lithuanian: Plikasis kalnas) in 1916, in the place where the three wooden crosses used to stand at least since 1636. The wooden crosses collapsed in 1869 and tsarist authorities did not allow for them to be rebuilt. The new monument by Antoni Wiwulski was covertly erected in 1916. It was blown up under the order of the Soviet Government on 30 May 1950. Eventually the crosses were restored and consecrated on 14 June 1989.
The Three Crosses are constructed of concrete, painted in white. The crosses now are 1.8 metre higher than those of 1916. A spectacular panorama of the Vilnius Old Town can be observed from top of the hill.
[edit] Legend
The origins of the monument are explained in a local legend, written in the Bychowiec Chronicle, according to which seven Franciscan monks, who were invited to Vilnius from Podolia by Petras Goštautas, were tortured to death (crucified and thrown into the Vilnia River, according to some sources) on 4 March 1333 by local pagan inhabitants.[1] The chapel was erected on the spot where they died and the crosses were added later on.
Although the Franciscans were indeed among the first Christian settlers to promote their faith in pagan Vilnius, no historical evidence supports the legend. The true purpose of building Three Crosses on the hill is still unknown. One of the suggestions is that they were erected in the celebration of granting Magdeburg rights to the city.
[edit] See also
[edit] Image gallery
 Three Crosses in spring |
 Three Crosses in summer |
 Vilnius Old Town as seen from the top of the hill |
[edit] References
- ^ (Lithuanian) Guide to sacred places of Maria
