Kryžių kalnas

A famous pilgrimage site about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the road to Riga: on a former hillfort stand hundreds of thousands of crosses of all sizes, small chapels and rosaries. Crosses have been put up here since the 19th century; in Soviet times the hill was destroyed more than once, in 1993 Pope John Paul II prayed here, and a Franciscan monastery stands nearby. Visitors may put up a cross themselves, but burning candles, riding bikes or scooters and making noise are prohibited. The site is open around the clock and admission is free; nearby there is an information center with a souvenir shop and a paid parking lot. By bus from Šiauliai, ride to the Domantai stop and then walk about 2 km. An hour is enough for a visit.