The tradition of placing crosses on this hill is at least 170 years old, and perhaps even older. People come from all over Lithuania and from countries around the world to add their own cross. Some are lovingly carved from wood with intricate patterns; others are simple twigs tied together. Each one was brought by someone who wanted to mark something meaningful.
Walking up the hill is a remarkable sensory experience. The thousands of crosses create a gentle clinking sound in the breeze, and the sunlight filters through them in unusual patterns. Visitors walk along narrow paths between towering clusters of crosses of every size imaginable.
The hill received a famous visitor in 1993: Pope John Paul II came here and called it a place of hope, love, and peace. He added his own cross, which still stands on the hill today. Since that visit, even more people from around the world began making the journey.
Local craftspeople sell hand-carved wooden crosses near the hill as souvenirs. Each region of Lithuania has its own traditional style of cross carving, with different patterns and symbols — a craft passed down through generations of skilled wood workers.