Vilnius to Hill of Crosses and Panevezys: Private day trip

While the exact origins of the Hill of Crosses are unknown, it’s believed the tradition began after the 1831 uprising when families couldn’t find the bodies of their fallen loved ones. When Latvia was under Soviet control between 1944 and 1990, the hill was bulldozed on 3 occasions to clear away the religious symbols, and even put under guard to try to keep locals away, all to no avail. Today, the hilltop, which is estimated to have 200,000 crosses on it, stands as a monument to Latvia’s national spirit, and was even named a place for hope, peace, love, and sacrifice by Pope John Paul II.

The medieval city of Panevėžys was an important cultural center for centuries - it was even home to the first Lithuanian bookstore and printing house. However, the First and Second World Wars hit the city hard. In August 1941, the locals, assisted by the police, rounded up 7,523 of the city’s Jews and executed them. The war, and subsequent Soviet rule, destroyed much of the city’s historic architecture, leaving its ‘old town’ a unique mish-mash of pre-war, Soviet, and modern buildings. They has a slew of late 19th century churches, which are dwarfed by its vibrant neo-Baroque cathedral. However, the city’s rich cultural heritage is preserved in its museums, such as the historic windmill which showcases traditional linen production techniques, and theatres, where visitors can see traditional plays and dances.