The awe-inspiring Hill of Crosses is situated not far to the north of the city of Šiauliai. The first crosses appeared here in 19th century – and they’ve kept appearing ever since, placed by people asking for mercy or giving thanks for wishes that have come true.

Despite numerous attempts to destroy the site by the Soviet authorities, crosses always mysteriously reappeared, proving that people’s faith and spirit is stronger than bulldozers and intimidation.

It is impossible to say how many crosses and crucifixes there are at the moment, but somebody was persistent enough to count more than 50,000 of them, in every shape and size. During a visit to Lithuania in 1993, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to this miraculous hill, blessing Catholics around the world and encouraging them to come and see it with their own eyes.

www.siauliai.lt/tic/