Barricades. Žvėrynas Bridge, Gedimino Avenue, Goštauto Street.

After the bloody storming of the TV tower, everyone was certain that the Soviets would next attack the Supreme Council, Lithuania’s present-day parliament, the Seimas.

A barricade on nearby Žvėrynas Bridge blocked access to the building from across the River Neris. Initially, two tractors and a lorry had to make do. Then concrete slabs and Czech hedgehogs – anti-tank obstacles – were brought for reinforcement. Defenders hoped that the barricade would slow down the Soviet advance, if not altogether stop it.

According to witnesses, the bridge was also guarded by armed men from across the river so that, once the soldiers were there, they could attack them from behind. On the other side, around the parliament building, thousands of people from across Lithuania held vigils day and night.

This was not the only barricade. Another one, mostly made of concrete blocks and scrap metal, was erected closer to the building. Fragments of the barricade were kept and are exhibited today.

The barricades were built without any plans and were improvised from whatever was at hand.

The concrete slabs were later covered with writings, posters, cartoons, children’s drawings, all depicting Lithuania’s resolve to defend its independence.