I t's not even a proper hill -- more of a hillock, or a knob. But the impact of this Lithuanian landmark is felt nationwide. It's a sort of folk symbol; a place where no one person can claim credit,but the efforts of the collective have made it what it is today. The Hill of Crosses has been adopted as something of a national symbol, and even those who don't believe in the power of the cross look upon it with fondness. That power was demonstrated during the Soviet era when the authoritarian rulers tried to erase this piece of Lithuania's identity. But as before, more crosses sprouted -- placed there by the nameless multitudes that have tended it over the centuries. Some believe the tradition started as early as the 1500's. It survived the Soviet era and continues today.
tom
Five stars.