Television Tower

The tallest structure in the country at 326m, the Television Tower was built from reinforced concrete and steel between 1974 and 1980. On January 13, 1991, as the disintegration of the USSR reached a frenzied pace and the Kremlin attempted to retake control of the Lithuanian media, Soviet tanks surrounded the tower in an assault that killed 14 unarmed civilians. Around it are monuments to and photographs of those who lost their lives. Inside at ground level is an exhibition commemorating the attack, including a copy of the original Soviet military assault plan, weapons used to beat protesters and some affecting photographs. The exhibition is free, but the fast ride in the lift to visit the combined restaurant and viewing station isn’t.