Jurgaičiai – Cultural Heritage and Pilgrimage History

Jurgaičiai and the Hill of Crosses

Jurgaičiai is associated with an archaeological hillfort and a settlement at its foot. The Jurgaičiai–Domantai hillfort, now better known as the Hill of Crosses, lies between the villages of Jurgaičiai and Domantai, on the left bank of the Kulpė, near the mouth of an unnamed stream. Thus, the archaeological history of a hillfort and the cultural significance of a widely known memorial site meet in one place.

Hillfort and Cultural Heritage

Based on its finds, the cultural layer at the Jurgaičiai hillfort is dated from the middle of the first millennium to the 14th century. The hillfort is believed to be the site of Kulių Castle, a 14th-century castle in the Šiauliai area that was burned down by the Crusaders in 1348. Two different dates provide a sense of the chronology: the cultural layer, dated over a long period, and the destruction of the presumed castle in 1348. The Hill of Crosses is a state-significant cultural heritage site of national importance.

The hill is considered an open-air museum and a symbol of the suffering, hope, and resistance of the 20th century. Its cultural significance encompasses both the archaeological site and a perspective on remembrance associated with the 20th century.

Pilgrimage History

The Hill of Crosses is one of the significant sites along the Pope John Paul II Pilgrimage Route in Lithuania. Following his visit on September 7, 1993, the site became known worldwide. During the visit, John Paul II celebrated Mass for 100,000 pilgrims in the chapel opposite the hill. At his encouragement, Italian Franciscans built the monastery on the hill; it was consecrated on July 8, 2000. The chronology distinguishes the Pope’s visit and Mass in 1993 from the later consecration of the monastery.

Visiting and Getting There

The Hill of Crosses can be visited at any time of day. Visitors may use the existing infrastructure and services. Under the site’s rules, they may erect crosses, chapel posts, and covered pillars.

Route information varies by starting point. From the Domantai bus stop, a 2 km walking path leads to the Hill of Crosses; check the route information again before your trip. By car, take the A12 from Šiauliai toward Riga for about 10 km, then turn right at the Hill of Crosses 2 km sign. For cyclists, the bike path runs from Joniškis to the boundary of Šiauliai District; from there, continue along the main road to the Hill of Crosses. These figures refer to different sections and starting points: the 2 km begins at the Domantai bus stop, while the approximately 10 km describes the drive from Šiauliai to the signpost. When planning, choose the information that matches your mode of transport and starting point.

Discover more destinations: Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Šiauliai, Joniškis, Kelmė, Pakruojis, Gaugariai, Radviliškis, Kuršėnai.

For the wider travel overview: Šiauliai District.