the hill of crosses: a photo essay
Looking around, we see fields and fields of green grass! And then we see a hill. And on that hill, we see thousands and thousands of crosses.
Hundreds of thousands of crucifixes of all different varieties: wooden ones, metal ones, miniscule ones and gigantic ones.
The Hill of Crosses is quite a remarkable sight. We felt a great reverence for those who have had a cross placed here for them as we walk through the narrow paths lined with crosses. This is a sacred pilgrimage site and we can certainly see why. There is a strong spiritual feel and a sense of peacefulness. Its location probably helps as it is rather removed from the hustle bustle of a major city.
The information behind the origin is all very hazy but it is believed that relatives placed crosses here for those who were killed during the 1800s uprising between Eastern Europe and the Russian Empire. Over the years, it has become a symbolic “grave” for anyone that has passed away.
During the Russian Occupation of Lithuania, this was the Lithuanians show of their unity, faith and identity.
The last thing we see during our visit is a stone that is inscribed with the words of Pope John Paul II following his visit. This really was a fitting summary of what we saw!
We found this a moving place to visit.
Have you been to the Hill of Crosses?
Leave us a comment here
wise monkeys abroad 
November 7, 2015 at 11:27 am
[…] Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, we’ve previously shared a photo essay of it and still get goosebumps thinking about this place. The information around its history is a […]
October 4, 2014 at 1:00 am
[…] can check your answer by clicking here – be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post about The Hill of Crosses for the […]
August 19, 2014 at 1:26 am
Your photos really captured the spirit of the place. Thanks for sharing.
August 19, 2014 at 1:46 am
Thank you 🙂 – it certainly is special place!
August 17, 2014 at 1:40 am
That place is completely unreal!! I’d love to go check out the hill of crosses, I had no idea this place existed.
August 17, 2014 at 2:40 am
We had heard about it from a friend some time ago and so had it on our “list” to visit. When we saw it for ourselves – we were pretty speechless for a while.
August 17, 2014 at 2:42 am
I should add it to my Best Travel Experiences list it is quite unique. Thanks for sharing!
August 15, 2014 at 8:40 pm
this is similar to love padlock but different….
August 15, 2014 at 8:41 pm
Thanks for stopping by! It is a rather unique thing to see 🙂
August 14, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Fantastic pictures, never seen anything like this, what a special place to visit.
August 15, 2014 at 3:15 am
Thank you for stopping by and leaving us a comment 🙂 It was definitely very unique and special!
August 14, 2014 at 4:48 pm
What a unique and moving place…….
August 15, 2014 at 3:17 am
It was more moving and nothing like we expected! That always makes for a more special experience, doesn’t it? 🙂
August 15, 2014 at 4:32 pm
SO TRUE! You guys are getting to experience so many special places and people……
August 15, 2014 at 4:57 pm
We are feeling very fortunate and grateful to be on this journey ….. But can’t believe we are almost halfway there already!
August 15, 2014 at 6:16 pm
I know! TIME FLIES!
August 14, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Hey Thank you for sharing this. I’ve never seen this kind of place. An amazing example of faith….:)
August 14, 2014 at 3:54 pm
Your words are so true about the display of faith. Glad to have been able to share something new and different! Thanks for your comment 🙂
August 14, 2014 at 7:38 am
Wow, I have never seen anything like it or in fact heard of this hill of crosses. Thank you so much for posting it. Lithuania is now on my radar more than ever as I’ve only heard great things from everyone. Are you staying there for longer? Looking forward to more posts! 🙂
August 14, 2014 at 7:51 am
No we were there only briefly about 3 weeks ago! We are now in France 🙂 Baltic States are definitely worth a visit!
August 14, 2014 at 6:18 am
your photos whet my appetite to visit this place, so i’m really happy that I’ll go to the Hill of Crosses this Friday
August 14, 2014 at 7:22 am
Ooooh… so good to hear! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it 🙂