Hill of Crosses

Hill of Crosses. Mount of the Cross is a very famous pilgrimage site in the world, which is located about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. Standing atop a small hill hundreds of thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and a warning to Lithuanian national identity. In this place for centuries, not only cross, but the giant cross, carved Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims. The exact amount of the cross is unknown, but estimates put it around 55,000 in 1990 and 100,000 in 2006. These crosses are made of carved wood or sculpted from metal, crosses range from three feet to the examples of countless little rapids depending on the larger cross. On windy days the wind was blowing through the cross and rosary hanging forest produce beautiful unique music.

On September 7, 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the Hill of the Cross, declaring it a place for hope, love, peace, and sacrifice. In 2000 a Franciscan monastery was opened nearby. Interesting relationship with the interior decoration of La Verna, the mountain where St. Francis received his stigmata hill remains under the jurisdiction of anyone. Therefore, people are free to build the cross as they see fit.

And now many people who come to this place to pray or just view the scenery at this place. And for some people, this place is considered one vacation destination that is unique and impressive.