HILL OF CROSSES

             Located in Lithuania........................

The Hill of Crosses is located in northern Lithuania

and over the years has become a National Pilgrimage center.

The tradition of placing crosses here dates back to the 14th century originally,

(I came across a few different dates while researching)

and probably arose as a symbol of Lithuanian defiance of foreign invaders.

In more recent times when Soviet Russia controlled it, the hill was leveled by

bulldozers three times...1961, 1973, and 1975.

The crosses were burned or turned to scrap metal and the area covered with waste and sewage.

Each time the Hill arose again when local inhabitants and pilgrims from

all over Lithuania rapidly replaced crosses on the hill.

Finally left in peace the sacred hill is now visited each year

by thousands of pilgrims, a good many of them leaving crosses,

some in memory of loved ones.

Pope John Paul II visited the Hill of Crosses in September of 1993.

On windy days breezes blow through the crosses and hanging rosaries

producing their own unique music.

There are several videos on the internet that people

have posted of their visit to The Hill of Crosses,

and all have merit.

I have picked THIS ONE as my favorite because of the history

and the interviews with the local people.

I don't have a "bucket list" of places to visit,

but if I did....The Hill of Crosses would be on the list.