Hill of Crosses Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Hill of Crosses
Native name Lithuanian: Kryžių kalnas
Close view of the Hill of Crosses
Type	Pilgrimage site
Location	Meškuičiai Eldership, Šiauliai District Municipality, Lithuania
Nearest city	Šiauliai
Area	0.46 hectares (1.1 acres)
Founded	c. 1831
Visitors	324,357 (in 2019)
Governing body	Order of Friars Minor of the Lithuanian Franciscan Province of St. Casimir

Invalid designation
Type	National
Designated	May 19, 1998
Reference no.	3295

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The Hill of Crosses (in Lithuanian: Kryžių kalnas) is a very special place in northern Lithuania. It is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of the city of Šiauliai. People from all over the world visit this hill.

No one knows exactly when people started leaving crosses here. It is thought that the first crosses were placed after an uprising in 1831. This was on an old hill fort called Jurgaičiai or Domantai. Over many years, people have brought more than just crosses. They also bring statues of the Virgin Mary, carvings of Lithuanian heroes, and thousands of tiny rosaries. These are left by Catholic pilgrims. In 2006, there were over 100,000 crosses on the hill! It is a very important Catholic pilgrimage site in Lithuania.

The Hill's Long History
Why the Hill of Crosses is Important
Images for kids
See also

The Hill's Long History

How the Hill of Crosses Began

For many years, this place has shown how strong the Lithuanian people are. It represents their peaceful spirit, even when they faced many challenges. After 1795, Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire. Lithuanians and Poles fought against Russian rule in 1831 and 1863.

These two uprisings are linked to the start of the Hill of Crosses. Families could not find the bodies of rebels who died. So, they began placing symbolic crosses on the old hill fort. This was a way to remember their loved ones.

Number of Crosses
1900	130
1902	155
1922	50
1938	over 400
1961	5,000 (destroyed)
1975	1,200 (destroyed)
1990	~55,000
2006	over 100,000

A stone with words from Pope John Paul II. He thanked Lithuanians for the hill, saying it shows their faith to the world.

Lithuania's Independence (1918–1939)

In 1918, Lithuania became an independent country again. This happened after the old political systems in Eastern Europe changed. During this time, the Hill of Crosses was a place for Lithuanians to pray. They prayed for peace, for their country, and for family members lost in the Wars of Independence.

Standing Strong During Soviet Rule (1944–1990)

From 1944 to 1990, Lithuania was under Soviet control. During this time, people faced religious persecution. This meant that practicing religion was often forbidden or made very difficult. The Soviets tried to stop religious teachings and even persecuted religious leaders.

But Lithuanians kept their religious freedom alive, just like their ancestors. They continued to visit the Hill of Crosses. Visitors brought crosses to remember loved ones, pray for good health, or honor important historical events.

The Hill of Crosses became a symbol of resistance against Soviet rule. The Soviet secret police (KGB) saw this. They tried many times to destroy the landmark and stop new crosses from appearing. The Soviets bulldozed the hill three times. There were even rumors they planned to flood the area.

They also tried other ways to keep people away. They said the crosses had no artistic value. They blocked roads and had the KGB and Soviet army guard the hill. Anyone caught bringing crosses faced punishment or even jail. Despite these efforts, Lithuanians kept bringing crosses to the hill every night, risking a lot.

Recent Events at the Hill

The Hill of Crosses after a fire in 2021.

In May 2013, local officials made rules about placing crosses. People can put up wooden crosses less than 3 meters (10 feet) tall without needing special permission.

In December 2019, a tourist removed a cross and threw it away. This action was strongly criticized. Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Linas Linkevičius, called it a "shameful, disgraceful act of vandalism." He said such behavior would not be allowed.

Why the Hill of Crosses is Important

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990, Lithuania became free again. The tradition of Lithuanian cross crafting became very popular. Visitors could make crosses from small twigs and rocks, tying them with grass. This showed their support and faith.

Because of its meaning during Soviet times, UNESCO recognized Lithuanian cross-crafting. It is now listed as an important part of intangible cultural heritage. The hill shows how determined Lithuanians were to keep their religious and national identity.

After the Soviet era, the number of crosses grew very quickly. People could now practice their beliefs without fear. The Hill of Crosses became a major site for Catholic pilgrims. On September 7, 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the hill. He called it a place of hope, peace, love, and sacrifice. In 2000, a Franciscan hermitage (a quiet place for prayer) opened nearby.