One of the more unusual sights we have seen is the Hill of Crosses in the north of Lithuania. Originally a site of a mediaeval wooden castle it became a site for people to erect crosses after the 1863 uprising. The Soviets tried to destroy the hill numerous times demolishing thousands of cross in the middle of last century. After independence in 1991 the hill became a major pilgrimage destination. Estimates now place the number of crosses at a mind boggling 200,000. Walking through the site is at once inspiring and macabre. The gentle breeze sets the Roary beads tinkling among the veritable forest of crucifixions.
Arriving in Kaunas Google maps gets us into a rundown old Soviet style courtyard. The buildings alongside look run down and somewhat derelict. This is our accommodation! Walking up 4 flights of stairs we open the door and step into a dazzling white luxurious apartment. Go figure! This is a common theme in the Eastern European former Soviet states. Since independence in 1991 entrepreneurs have taken old apartments and renovated them for tourist rental. I have experienced this in Moldova and Albania and even in non Soviet Greece in the port town of Piraeus.
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city. It has a small old town which, after Riga, paes by comparison. Nonetheless the remains of the 14th century fort and the beautiful Gothic cathedral are certainly worth a look.
