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Hill of Crosses
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Landmark
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) is one of the most impressive and moving sites in all of Eastern Europe. On a small hill north of the city of Šiauliai, there are an estimated 200,000 crosses of all sizes and materials, from tiny wooden crucifixes to monumental metal sculptures. The site is not a cemetery but a living symbol of national identity, religious faith, and the peaceful resistance of Lithuanians against centuries of foreign rule. During the Soviet occupation in particular, the hill became a sign of protest; despite being bulldozed several times, people repeatedly erected new crosses overnight. A historical milestone was the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993, who declared the site a symbol of peace and hope and celebrated an open-air mass here. The crucifix he gifted stands in a prominent position at the base of the hill today. Visitors can wander through the narrow paths between the crosses and discover the incredible variety of inscriptions and offerings. It is a tradition to bring your own small cross or purchase one on-site to place on the hill. The atmosphere becomes almost mystical, especially at sunset or in the fog. The site is accessible year-round and is a must-see for every traveler to Lithuania.
- Location: Lithuania
- Top sights: Jurgaičių piliakalnis · Hill of Crosses · Kryžių kalno koplyčia
- Nearby: Šiauliai (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 50 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 57 | 76 | 86 | 78 | 54 | 65 | 62 | 52 |
Geography
Facts
- Over 200,000 crosses on the site
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site
- Symbol of resistance against Soviet rule
- Visited by Pope John Paul II in 1993
- Located about 12 km north of Šiauliai
- Franciscan monastery located nearby
- Tradition of placing crosses since the 19th century
- Not a cemetery, but a site of prayer and hope
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Hill of Crosses (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the Hill of Crosses?
Access to the Hill of Crosses is free and open 24/7. There is only a small fee for using the parking lot near the visitor center.
Can I leave my own cross there?
Yes, anyone is welcome to leave a cross. You can bring your own or purchase small wooden ones at the souvenir shop by the parking lot.
How do I get to the Hill of Crosses from Šiauliai?
Take a bus from Šiauliai bus station towards Joniškis and get off at the Domantai stop. From there, it is a 2 km walk to the hill.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Usually, 1 to 1.5 hours is enough to explore the hill and visit the nearby Franciscan monastery.
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs?
The path from the parking is flat, but the paths on the hill itself are very narrow and have many steps, which limits wheelchair access.
Hill of Crosses: where is it located?
Hill of Crosses is located in Lithuania.
Hill of Crosses: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jurgaičių piliakalnis, Hill of Crosses, Kryžių kalno koplyčia.
Hill of Crosses: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hill of Crosses: why is it worth visiting?
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) is one of the most impressive and moving sites in all of Eastern Europe.
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