Inside Lithuania is the mysterious Hill of Crosses where thousands of metal and wooden crosses have been placed for nearly two centuries. This hill has become a location of religious significance. Religious artifacts including crosses, rosaries, and photographs of saints cover the mound. Many people have attempted to destroy the location, but this unusual pilgrimage site endures as a powerful testament to devotion.
The mysterious crosses on the hill are believed to have been started when they were left by mourning relatives of the victims of revolts against the Russian regime in 1831, and later in 1863. During this time, the tsar suppressed national identity by limiting religious expression, so families were forbidden to honor the dead with proper burial in cemeteries. This has led people into believing that the hill of crosses started to honor lost loved ones.
During the Soviet era, religion was banned and the Hill of Crosses off limits. Because of this, the entire site was bulldozed and burned down by the authorities. The hill then was rebuilt and destroyed four more times. Each time it was rebuilt, locals risked political danger by defiantly rebuilding the site.
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