A truly unique tribute to a determined citizenship who would not be destroyed by oppression. After some miles of travel into the rolling green pastures of the Lithuanian countryside you will come upon this sacred place that represents the determination of a people to survive and thrive. I'm told it began with a cross placed and a cross removed by the oppressor. Then another cross placed and another and those crosses removed. Then another was placed and another and then hundreds and then thousands and who knows....there might now be a million crosses. Amazing tribute and a totally unique place and experience.
I have been to the Hill of Crosses on a number of occasions with various visitors, starting in 2006. The first couple of times I found myself very moved by the atmosphere of the place. The hill actually comprises a number of mounds, each covered by many thousands of crosses of all sizes, placed by many thousands of visitors and pilgrims. Sadly, in recent years, the site has become somewhat commercialised and has lost some of it's charm. If you can close your mind to the commercial aspects, however, it remains a truly awe inspiring and spiritually moving place to visit.
It is really an amazing place and when walking around you can feel that much has happened on that spot. The sound of the crosses moving by the wind... it did move me as well!
The Hill of Crosses has about 100 000 crosses. It is said that first crosses were erected here by the next-of-kin of the rebels that fell in the 1831 rebellion. The Hill of Crosses ia an historical architectural monument, it is a unique composition of folk art. The Hill of crosses atract's people with it's peace, spirituality, authenticity and sacred nature. The hill of crosses was visited by Pope John Paul II. Even more crosses appeared after the rebellion in 1863. At tht time the traditions of visiting and erecting crosses on the hill of crosses were being formed. The Hill of crosses became a place of vows in Lithuania. In the beginning of the 20th century, the hill was already quite well known. It was being visited by a lot of people, and services and feasts were taking place here. Now It has about 100 000 cross.
Awesome place to visit and very eerie,Years of history and amazing happenings,Visit worthwhile and surrounding areas especially the village.The area as been destroyed or attempted to be destroyed at least three times and each time it as risen again,According to folklore those who attempted this ,had very strange ends ,
It is not just one hill, but many, with crosses on slight elevations so very far. It is generally very quiet, with people of many nationalities speaking in soft voices. The large crucifix that Pope St. John Paul sent after his visit there is quite nice and stands by itself. I left a small crucifix from my parent's funeral there. Many bring one with them...there is also a gift shop near the parking lot so you can buy one to leave there, or take home...a wide range of prices, too. It is a bit of a hike from the parking to the hill itself, so wear good walking shoes.
Really atmospheric location - find out and understand the story - what made so many people defy authority and place crosses here. Great visit.
Enormous amount of crosses.No matter how your piety high is, it's amazing.I saw so many crosses over there, even more than all crosses I've seen in my life.Gotta see this one, seriously.But, watch out! Except for that, in Siauliai, there are 'literally' nothing to do.
Definitely worth spending an hour or two here if you are interested in places of religious affiliation, or just different places in general. It is an incredible to see and walk around among all the crosses. Do not try to count, you will soon realize that it is impossible. They are everywhere. Hundreds of thousands. Big, small, home-made, hand-painted, etc.
More than 100000 crosses on a hill. You walk between the jungle of cresses... Amazing.. Worth visiting & spending at least 2 hrs