Kryžių Kalnas

The " Kryžių Kalnas," or "Hill of Crosses" is a Lithuanian pilgrimage destination. Although the site had historical importance for several centuries, it evolved as a symbol of resistance to the Soviet occupation beginning in the 1940s.

Author Daiva Markelis explains, "During the Soviet occupation, inhabitants of the nearby town would erect crosses at night, only to have them taken down during the day by the KGB. For every cross destroyed during the day, two would appear at night."

Šiauliai, Lithuania, June 2010. The Kryžių Kalnas remains a significant destination for native and tourist Lithuanians alike.

Thanks to Daiva Markelis for making this photo available to me.

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Šiauliai, Lithuania, August 2011. My Toronto Cousin, on the right, and her daughter approach the Kryžių Kalnas.
 
Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to me.