Hill of Crosses: an unusual place of power (14 photos)

Usually the cross is associated with a religious building and Christian cemetery. But this place, which is located near the city of Siauliai in Lithuania, neither one nor the other. And something very special.





Who and when invented this place is unknown. But it is known that this is not part of the natural relief, but an artificial hill. He is relatively fresh. And the oldest crucifixes, the number of which exceeded 100 thousand, hardly more than half a century. Although due to rain and wind they look old and even ancient.



According to the many legends that should be such places are necessarily shrouded, the Hill of Crosses arose on that place, where lightning struck the monastery. He immediately went underground. But ghostly figures of monks who continue to serve eternally, you can meet now.





Another legend tells about the castle, which in the XIV century destroyed the German knights-monks who planted Christianity. Remaining in the living defenders of the castle, who did not want to renounce paganism, buried fallen, forming a mound at the burial site.



And finally, the most romantic version says that the father a girl dying from a serious illness had a vision. There is a woman in it ordered to install on a nearby hill a cross made of wood, made by her hands. He fulfilled the mission, and the daughter recovered.



In the 60s, in the era of active struggle against "opium for the people", the mountain demolished. And not just once, but four times. Metal crucifixes were allowed for remelting, and fences and roads were built from the slabs. But the people stubbornly restored everything destroyed, defending the right to believe.



As a result, it is a place that continues to expand. IN In 1993, the Pope visited him and installed his own cross.



There are countless forms and modifications of crosses. Here crosses coexist with pagan, rastaman, Jewish and others symbols. All sizes, shapes and materials.



There are toys, crafts, bells and decorations. Eat belief that if you leave on the mountain made with your own hands cross, then it is guaranteed to bring good luck to life. Respectively, The Hill of Crosses continues to be replenished with new specimens, and 100 thousand crucifixion is far from the limit.