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The phenomenon of the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania began when people started leaving crosses there hundreds of years ago – and continues to this day. These photos of a hill covered in crosses show the amazing sight it has become.


Rosary beads hang from a cross on Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

Rosary beads hang from a cross on Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




In 1831 an unsuccessful uprising against the Russian czar left many rebels dead. Relatives of the dead rebels, with no bodies to bury, instead left crosses, according to the Daily Mail. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

In 1831 an unsuccessful uprising against the Russian czar left many rebels dead. Relatives of the dead rebels, with no bodies to bury, instead left crosses, according to the Daily Mail. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




A crucifix at Hill of Crosses, where many believe miracles can happen. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

A crucifix at Hill of Crosses, where many believe miracles can happen. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




Shrines, pictures of saints, and other icons of faith decorate the area. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

Shrines, pictures of saints, and other icons of faith decorate the area. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




In 1991, Lithuania won its independence from soviet Russia. The site once again became a symbol of the Catholic country. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

In 1991, Lithuania won its independence from soviet Russia. The site once again became a symbol of the Catholic country. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




Some leave messages to God along with a cross. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

Some leave messages to God along with a cross. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




The Hill of Crosses is covered with about 200,000 religious symbols in all shapes and sizes, in wood and metal. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

The Hill of Crosses is covered with about 200,000 religious symbols in all shapes and sizes, in wood and metal. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




A symbol of religious devotion became an act of defiance during the Soviet era, when communist Russia’s KGB bulldozed the area—twice. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

A symbol of religious devotion became an act of defiance during the Soviet era, when communist Russia’s KGB bulldozed the area—twice. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




The city of Siauliai in Lithuania has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

The city of Siauliai in Lithuania has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)




KGB agents were stationed at the site when crosses continued to appear. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)

KGB agents were stationed at the site when crosses continued to appear. (Photo by Richard Gardner/Rex USA)
06 Jun 2013 09:56:00