Between the villages of Jurgaičiai and Domantai, on the left bank of the Kulpė near its confluence with an unnamed stream, lies Jurgaičiai–Domantai hillfort, now better known as the Hill of Crosses. A cultural heritage site of national significance, it brings together a widely known pilgrimage story and a much older history of settlement and fortification. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different routes, as travel directions vary depending on your starting point and mode of transport.
Hill of Crosses: remembrance and pilgrimage history
The Hill of Crosses is regarded as an open-air museum and a symbol of national suffering, hope and resistance in the 20th century. Visitors may erect crosses, chapel posts and covered pillars on the hill, provided they follow the rules of the site. The hill can be visited at any time of day, and visitors may also use the available infrastructure and services.
The hill became known worldwide after Pope John Paul II’s visit on 7 September 1993. During the visit, the Pope celebrated Mass in the chapel opposite the hill for 100,000 pilgrims. The hill is also one of the important sites on the Pope John Paul II Pilgrimage Route in Lithuania. Pope John Paul II encouraged Italian Franciscans to build a monastery, which was consecrated on 8 July 2000. The visit and the pilgrimage route highlight two different aspects: a specific event in 1993 and the hill’s place on a pilgrimage route through Lithuania.
The hillfort and its earlier history
The elongated hillfort is bordered to the south by the Kulpė and to the east and north by the valleys of unnamed streams. The Kulių Castle, a castle of the Šiauliai region dating from the 14th century, is believed to have stood here; it was burned down by the Crusaders in 1348.
Based on the finds, the cultural layer at Jurgaičiai hillfort and its associated settlement is dated from the middle of the first millennium to the 14th century. This places the destruction of the presumed castle, dated to 1348, within a much longer archaeological period.
Plan your journey and accommodation
From the Domantai stop, it is a 2 km walk to the Hill of Crosses. Check the route information again before setting out.
Drivers coming from Šiauliai should follow the A12 for about 10 km towards Riga, then turn right at the sign for “Hill of Crosses 2 km”.
Cyclists coming from Joniškis should take the cycle path to the boundary of Šiauliai District; from there, continue along the main road to the hill.
The three routes differ in their starting points and modes of transport: Domantai offers a walking route, Šiauliai a drive via the A12, and Joniškis a cycling route followed by a switch to the main road. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, consider your starting point and preferred mode of transport when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vijoliai, Bubiai, Margiai, Joniškis, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Gaugariai, Radviliškis, Meškuičiai.
For the broader travel overview: Šiauliai District.
