✝️ Hill of Crosses
Lithuania
About This Sacred Site
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) near Šiauliai in northern Lithuania is a small hillock upon which pilgrims have placed over 200,000 crosses, crucifixes, carvings, and rosaries. The tradition began after the failed uprisings against Russian Imperial rule in 1831 and 1863. Soviet authorities bulldozed the hill at least three times, but crosses reappeared overnight each time — making the site a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance and Catholic devotion. Pope John Paul II visited and prayed here in 1993.
Key Facts
- •Over 200,000 crosses of all sizes cover the hill, and the number grows daily
- •Soviet authorities bulldozed the hill in 1961, 1973, and 1975, but crosses always returned
- •Pope John Paul II visited in 1993 and called it a place of 'hope, peace, love, and sacrifice'
- •The practice began in the 1830s after failed anti-Russian uprisings
- •A Franciscan monastery was established at the foot of the hill in 2000
Location
Coordinates: 56.0153, 23.4167
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