Hill of Crosses, Northern Sialiai Region, Lithuania

The mound that once held pagan totems became a holy site for local Christians when the first cross was planted in the 14th century.

It became a pilgrimage site when it became the memorial for those that died in the uprisings against Russia in the 1830s and 1860s.

In the 1960s, the Soviets bulldozed the hill and crosses. Then placed a barbwire fence around it with a guard to stop further planting of crosses. This did not stop them. In the Soviet era, it was a sign of resistance to the totalitarian regime. Today, crosses are planted for many reasons. Some for remembrance of lost loved ones, some are praying for mercy, and others to identify Lithuania as a Christian land.

In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the site and ordered a cross (foreground) to be planted at the base of the hill. In 2000, a Franciscan monestary was built behind the hill.