Šiauliai: Hill of Crosses

Last Updated on 26 August 2025 by Johan

Located in northern Lithuania, the city of Šiauliai lies roughly halfway between Kaunas and Riga, along the A12 highway. Just 12 kilometers north of the city, near the village of Jurgaičiai, stands one of the country’s most symbolic and spiritually significant landmarks: the Hill of Crosses.

The name “Hill of Crosses” refers to a small mound that has become a site of pilgrimage and remembrance, covered with hundreds of thousands of crosses. Historically, the hill was also known as the castle mound of Domantai, suggesting that a fortification may have stood there as early as the 14th century.

Historical Background

The origins of the Hill of Crosses are not fully documented, but its significance grew during the 19th century. Following the failed Lithuanian–Polish uprisings against Tsarist Russia in 1831 and 1863, families who were denied the right to bury their loved ones began placing symbolic crosses on the mound. This act of remembrance gradually transformed the site into a national symbol of resistance and faith.

During the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses became a quiet but powerful form of protest. The Soviet regime, known for its anti-religious policies, repeatedly bulldozed the site and removed the crosses. Yet locals continued to return under cover of night, placing new crosses as a defiant gesture of spiritual resilience.

In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the site and declared it a place of hope, peace, and sacrifice. A Franciscan hermitage was established nearby in 2000, reinforcing the hill’s role as a center of pilgrimage.

Visiting the Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is not a cemetery, but a living monument to faith, endurance, and national identity. Visitors will find crosses of all sizes and materials—wood, metal, stone—placed by individuals from around the world. The site is open year-round and free to visit.

Local tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid tour groups and experience the quiet atmosphere. Bring a small cross to leave behind—many local shops in Šiauliai sell handcrafted versions made from native wood.

Nearby Attractions

  • Šiauliai Cathedral: Located in the city center, this Renaissance-style cathedral dates back to the 17th century and is one of the tallest buildings in Šiauliai.
  • Bicycle Museum: A unique museum dedicated to the history of cycling in Lithuania, located near the pedestrian boulevard.
  • Sun Route: A scenic walking path through Šiauliai, featuring public art installations and historical markers.

Local tip: Combine your visit to the Hill of Crosses with a stop at the Šiauliai Aušros Museum, which offers exhibitions on regional history and culture.

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