Hill of Crosses

Kryžių kalnas

A sacred pilgrimage site where hundreds of thousands of crosses cover a small hill north of Šiauliai. It is one of Lithuania's most powerful and internationally famous symbols of faith and resilience.

Things to do

• Walk the central path — Follow the main wooden walkway that climbs between the two mounds densely packed with crosses of every size.
• Leave your own cross — Plant or hang a cross you brought or purchased nearby, continuing the tradition that has grown the site since the 1830s.
• See the Pope John Paul II crucifix — Find the large crucifix gifted by the Pope, who visited and blessed the hill in 1993.
• Visit the Franciscan monastery and chapel — Explore the hermitage and church built near the hill in 2000 at the Pope's suggestion.
• Browse the souvenir and cross stalls — Buy handmade wooden and metal crosses, rosaries, and religious tokens from vendors in the car park area.
• Attend the July pilgrimage feast — Join the annual indulgence Mass and pilgrimage held on the last Sunday of July at the hill.
• Photograph at sunrise or sunset — Capture the forest of crosses in golden light and the eerie sound of rosaries clinking in the wind.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Lithuania's national dish of potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon bits, found in Šiauliai restaurants.
• Šaltibarščiai — Bright pink cold beetroot soup made with kefir and served with boiled potatoes, a refreshing summer staple.
• Kugelis — A hearty baked grated-potato pudding with bacon, traditional to the Aukštaitija and northern regions.
• Šakotis — A tall spiky tree-shaped layered cake baked over a rotating spit, sold as a festive Lithuanian sweet.
• Gira — A traditional fermented bread drink (kvass) sold in local markets and cafes as a non-alcoholic refresher.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress respectfully — This is an active sacred pilgrimage site, so modest clothing and quiet behavior are appreciated even by casual visitors.
• Bring or buy a cross — It is customary to add your own cross rather than remove or disturb existing ones, which is strongly frowned upon.
• Remember the Soviet history — The hill was bulldozed several times under Soviet rule but crosses were always replaced overnight, making it a symbol of resistance.
• Combine with Šiauliai city — The hill sits about 12 km north of Šiauliai, so pair your visit with the city's cathedral and museums by car or bus.

Nearby

• Šiauliai — 11 km
• Kurtuvėnai Regional Park — 26 km
• Panevėžys (Panevėžys Region) — 66 km
• Telšiai (Telšiai & Samogitia) — 73 km