The Hill of Three Crosses and Gediminas Hill

Two popular stops for tourists in Vilnius, Lithuania are the Hill of Three Crosses and Gediminas Hill.

The Hill of Three Crosses commemorates 14 monks who were killed by pagans in the 14th century. Seven of the monks were killed outright and the rest were tied to crosses and floated down the River Neris. The crosses were removed in 1950 by the Soviet government. The Hill of Three Crosses offers an impressive view of the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Hill of Three Crosses

SOURCE: The Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Providing a backdrop to the Vilnius Cathedral, the Higher Castle is reached by a cobblestone path up Gediminas Hill. The walk up the hill was particularly pleasant on this sunny and warm day in Autumn, with leaves changing color and falling to the ground, littering the path up the hill.

Atop Gediminas Hill

SOURCE: Atop Gediminas Hill in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The top of Gediminas Hill is home to the ruins of the Higher Castle. Originally a wooden structure, the Higher Castle was replaced with a brick and stone Gothic castle in the 14th and 15th centuries. Originally the Higher Castle boasted three towers, only one of which remains.

The Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The only remaining tower of the Higher Castle has been partially renovated. The tower is home to the Castle Museum which displays armor and models of Vilnius in medieval times. At the top of the tower is an observation platform from which most of the old town of Vilnius can be seen.

The Western Tower of the Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Western Tower of the Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko