A Holy place recognized by UNESCO

What began as a trickle of mourners soon turned into a flood of crosses and pilgrims. But it wasn’t until 1850 that the hill, known as Jurgaičiai, was renamed the Hill of Crosses. Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down, the Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom. And for pilgrims, it is another must-visit location in Lithuania.

Although Lithuania was the last country in Europe to adopt Catholicism, and its residents faced ongoing persecution for making crosses, cross-making is an important past-time there — so much so that UNESCO recognized its importance in 2001. This tradition is reflected in the haphazard collection of crosses. They cover a wide range of shapes and sizes — some are several feet high and beautifully ornate, while others are smaller and more humble. They’re also accompanied by hundreds of holy statues, amber crosses, and rosaries, turning the destination into a creepy memorial maze and one of the country’s most intriguing tourist attractions.