The Three Crosses

Legend has it that seven Franciscan missionaries were crucified where the the Three Crosses stand. Or that they were tied to crosses by pagans declaring, "Swim with your poles which you order us to worship!" and thrown into the river. Whereupon Grand Duke Algirdas got pissed, punished the guilty and buried the Franciscans on the hill, building a chapel and erecting crosses in their memory. History has it as hogwash, but confirms that crosses have stood here at least since the 17th century. In 1916, three enormous crosses were erected at this site and were a symbol of the city before the Soviets blew them up (or buried them, depending). The current crosses were built in 1989. A journey to them makes for a lovely hike and offers great views when you reach the top of the hill.