Hill of Crosses, Šiauliai

The Hill of Crosses stands as a poignant and evocative symbol of faith, hope, and perseverance near the city of Šiauliai in Lithuania. This sacred site, adorned with a multitude of crosses, is not only a testament to Christian devotion but also a marker of Lithuanian national identity. The tradition of leaving crosses on this small hill began in the 19th century as a form of peaceful resistance against various oppressors.

Over time, it has grown into a massive and sprawling exhibition of religious fervor, with estimates suggesting that over 100,000 crosses of various sizes and designs now populate the landscape. The sight is a visual tapestry of personal stories and collective history, with each cross representing a prayer, a memory, or a plea. The Hill of Crosses has survived numerous attempts by foreign rulers to demolish it, particularly during the Soviet era, when it was bulldozed multiple times. Yet, like the resilient spirit it embodies, the site would always be rebuilt, each time emerging denser and more profound than before.

The Hill of Crosses is easily accessible to visitors and remains an open-air sanctuary for those who journey there, many of whom continue the tradition by adding their own crosses. The site has also attracted the attention of religious leaders, including Pope John Paul II, who celebrated a mass there in 1993, further cementing its significance as a place of pilgrimage and reflection.