The Hill of Crosses and other pilgrimage sites of western Lithuania

Lithuanians are the last pagans on this continent. Paganism began to disappear in Lithuania at the end of the 14th century when Lithuania’s rulers accepted Christianity. The Baltic tribe Samogitians held on the longest – they only converted in the 15th century. Nowadays you can find Lithuanian sacral places in the pilgrimage routs. A private tour of religious sites with an expert guide will make the most memorable day and you will enjoy the blend of traditional and modern sights.

Itinerary

1. Hill of Crosses was erected in the 19th century, when Lithuania was under Soviet rule, take amazing photos in this unusual place with a collection of over 200,000 different crosses from all around the world, which was visited by St. John Paul II in 1993, and discuss who, what, when, why, and how. (30 min)
2. At the ensemble of Kretinga Bernardine Friary and the Church of the Lord’s Revelation to the Blessed Virgin Mary we will enter the church and see the doors from the 17th century church which were chop by Swedish soldiers trying to enter the monastery with the purpose to rob it and listen to many other stories. Outside of the church we will do off the tourist track to the splendid Lourdes of Kretinga with the spring. People believe that its water can cure various diseases. (30 min)
3. Next, we will stop at a unique and one of the largest modern churches in Klaipeda St Casimir’s Roman Catholic Church. There you will gain fascinating insight into modern stained-glass art. We will walk around the church built in the former land of the King Frederick William III of Prussia and discover the hidden germs of the church, e.g. the largest (11 x 4.5 m) hanging stained glass altar of the risen Jesus in Lithuania or even Europe, the crown shape of the church etc. If we are lucky, we will have a talk with the priest. (30 min)