2012, SEPTEMBER 12: LITHUANIA, SIALLIAI - HILL OF CROSSES

After lunch, we headed towards Siauliai, about 130 miles northwest of Vilnius.

It took us about three hours to get there. Meanwhile clear blue skies had given way to cloudy, drizzling weather.

Siauliai is Lithuania’s 4^th largest city. Located about 6 miles to its north is the area’s major attraction, the Hill of Crosses.

What started as a symbol of Lithuanian defiance of foreign invaders, over the centuries, the small hill there has become a popular site of Catholic pilgrimage, although someone has described it as “environmental graffiti.”

Visitors leave a cross, crucifix, effigy, rosary, picture, or statue in memory of their visit to the place. Now thousands of these memorials of all sizes, shapes, and substance grace the site.

 

 

 

From the parking area, a long, brick-lined path leads to the hill.

Long Path to Hill of Crosses, Siauliai, Lithuania

A brick Franciscan monastery stands behind the hill.

Monastery on the Hill, Hill of Crosses, Siauliai, Lithuania