subject: A tale of bravery & sacrifice - the ‘Hill of Crosses' [print this page] A tale of bravery & sacrifice - the Hill of Crosses'
A site that illustrates a country's struggles in a nutshell that's the Hill of Crosses the hallmark of Lithuania's legacy.
Situated in northern Lithuania, this hill is pilgrimage site with an exciting past. Formerly a hill fort, the crosses first appeared here way back in the 14th century. With the passage of time; not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims.
The real reason for the Hill's existence lies buried in Lithuania's history. Over the centuries, the place has come to signify the peaceful endurance of Lithuanian Catholicism despite the threats it has faced throughout history. Invaded by Russia during the 1795 partition of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth Lithuania disappeared altogether from the map of Europe. When the old political structure of Eastern Europe fell apart in 1918, Lithuania once again declared its independence. Throughout this time, the Hill of Crosses was used as a place for Lithuanians to pray for peace, for their country, and for the loved ones they had lost.
Most recently, the site took on a special significance during the years 1944-1990, when Lithuania was occupied by the USSR. Continuing to travel to the Hill and leave their tributes, Lithuanians used it to demonstrate their allegiance to their original identity, religion and heritage. Although the Soviets worked hard to remove new crosses, and bulldozed the site at least three times, the new crosses continued to appear and by 1985 the authorities had given up.
After the eventful early 90's which saw Lithuania's declaration of independence and the fall of Soviet Union, Pope John Paul II visited the Hill of Crosses in 1993, declaring it a place for hope, peace, love and sacrifice.
