The Hill of Crosses is a Christian shrine located near Siauliai in northern Lithuania.

Called Kryziu Kalnas in local, Lithuanian language, the Hill of Crosses is said to be having more than 10,000 crosses of different sizes over it.

Crosses are left by pilgrims who visit the hill, a practice that dates back to the mid-1800s, Reuters reported.

Thousands of crosses were erected by Lithuanians in defiance of the communist Soviet regime during Soviet times. The sacred site was demolished several times and came to signify persistence to the regime.

Hill of Crosses
A cross stands at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
A woman looks at crosses at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
People rest before mass at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
A priest gives a confession at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
A girl holds a cross before mass at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
People rest before mass at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Hill of Crosses
People look at crosses at the Hill of Crosses or "Kryziu Kalnas", near Siauliai July 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Religion