Although Lithuania is one of the smaller countries in Europe, located in the Baltic region there is still alot of history and interesting sites to visit. One such site we visited was called the "Hill of Crosses" - and was literally a massive hill covered in crosses of all shapes and sizes.
The Baltic countries are all small, and thus excellent for small road-trips. Additionally, the Baltic countries are some of the cheapest in Europe to visit. .
The sheer scale of the hill of crosses is amazing and breathtaking - it was interesting trying to take a guess as to how many crosses are here. Estimates vary greatly but many believe there is well over 100,000 crosses situated here. The first cross was placed here in the 1800s.
Through some research it seems that the hill of crosses acts as a place of peace for Lithuanian Catholics, especially during times of hardship. Pilgrims come from across the world to pay their respects and place a cross here - we saw many different languages and evidence that people had traveled far and wide to visit the hill of crosses. The land is under no specific jurisdiction and thus people can places cross however they want.
Although lots of the crosses had been placed strategically, some had just been made into massive piles, as it seems there is less and less room and the area is becoming overcrowded. As you can see some crosses are very small and wooden, while others are very grand, often with depictions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary
If you are planning a visit to the Baltic countries then I would recommend a visit to the hill of crosses. Whether you are religious or not it is still and incredible and interesting site to visit. We went after hours , and thus parked on the side of the road for free, and there wasn't too many people around. However, there is a massive parking lot nearby and parking was cheap.
All photos taken by me!