Hill of Crosses - Christian Crosses on Waymarking.com

The exact origins are unknown, but it is considered that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaiciai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising. Over the centuries, not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims. The number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 50,000.

Most recently, the site took on a special significance during the years 1944-1990, when Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union. Continuing to travel to the Hill and leave their tributes, Lithuanians used it to demonstrate their allegiance to their original identity, religion and heritage; it was a venue of peaceful resistance. Although the Soviets worked hard to remove new crosses, and bulldozed the site at least three times (including attempts in 1963 and 1973). There were even rumors that the authorities planned to build a dam on the nearby Kulve River, a tributary to Muša, so that the hill would end up under water.

On September 7, 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the Hill of Crosses, declaring it a place for hope, peace, love and sacrifice.

Type of cross: Latin cross Material used: Other... Characteristics of this cross: The main characteristic is that there is not only ONE cross but thousands or millions... Describe the location: In the middle of a field a few kilometers outside Siauliai in the northern part of Lithuania. Year of manufacture: 12/31/2011 Is this cross commemorative ?: Don't know...

Visit Instructions:
Post at least one photograph of this cross.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/30/2021 davidb11 visited it 05/09/2019 Klimda visited it 04/20/2019 Wilina visited it 09/04/2017 Oloneuvos visited it 09/03/2014 Wanderratte67 visited it 09/08/2013 Tonde@ visited it 01/01/2012 Juroks visited it 12/31/2011 Edgars Laicāns visited it 12/31/2011 bindons visited it 09/10/2011 gaussfinder visited it 07/21/2010 WhiteRabbit' visited it 06/30/2010 me.toString visited it 08/06/2009 cyberswan visited it 05/09/2009 Fisler visited it 01/04/2009 udajs_16 visited it 08/09/2008 darkMS visited it 05/06/2008 prusux visited it 12/16/2007 Maris & Baiba visited it 11/27/2007 wildwoodke wrote comment for it 10/06/2007 Westcoast8 visited it 05/13/2007 KoMyHuCT visited it 08/12/2005 pavlikVB visited it

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