Hill of Crosses Guide
Hill of Crosses: A Testament to Faith and Resilience Guide
The Hill of Crosses, located near Šiauliai, Lithuania, is a truly unique and moving pilgrimage site. It's not a cemetery, nor is it a traditional religious site in the conventional sense. Instead, it's a hill covered with countless crosses of all sizes, shapes, and materials, a powerful symbol of Lithuanian faith, resistance, and national identity. Visiting the Hill of Crosses is an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. The origins of the Hill of Crosses are shrouded in some mystery, but it's believed that the first crosses were placed on the hill after the 1831 November Uprising against Tsarist Russia. Families of those who had died or disappeared in the uprising began placing crosses as a symbol of remembrance and hope. Over the years, the hill became a place of pilgrimage and resistance, especially during the Soviet era when the Soviets bulldozed the hill several times, only to have the crosses reappear overnight. It became a symbol of Lithuanian defiance against oppression. Today, visitors can wander among the thousands of crosses, each with its own story to tell. You can bring your own cross to add to the collection, or simply reflect on the history and significance of this remarkable place. The atmosphere is both solemn and inspiring. There is a small gift shop and information center on site. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with the Hill of Crosses, you can find traditional Lithuanian food in nearby Šiauliai.
Transportation
The Hill of Crosses is located about 12 km north of Šiauliai. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Šiauliai bus station to Joniškis and ask the driver to drop you off at Domantai, the village closest to the Hill of Crosses. From Domantai, it's about a 2 km walk to the hill. Bus numbers to consider are those heading towards Joniškis or other northern destinations.