Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage site located near the city of Šiauliai in northern Lithuania. It is a unique and awe-inspiring sight, where hundreds of thousands of crosses of all shapes and sizes are placed on a small hill. The exact origins of the Hill of Crosses are unknown, but it is believed to have started as early as the 19th century as a way for Lithuanians to express their defiance and devotion to their faith in the face of oppression. During Soviet times, the hill was repeatedly bulldozed and crosses were removed, but people continued to place new ones in defiance. Today, the Hill of Crosses is a powerful symbol of Lithuanian national identity and religious devotion, and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its spiritual and cultural significance.