Žemaičių Kalvarija (Samogitian Calvary)
The site is renowned for the miraculous painting of Blessed Virgin Mary with Infant, the authentic traditions of the Hill of the Cross, and the grand Kalvarija pilgrimages.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their visit with a prayer in front of the miraculous painting in the basilica. In 2006, the painting was crowned with crowns blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and received the title “Queen of Christian Families.” Pilgrims traditionally start and finish their walk along the Way of the Cross here.
The Way of the Cross in Žemaičių Kalvarija stretches 4.5 km and includes 19 folk-style chapels with 20 stations, inviting reflection, calm, and spiritual contemplation.
The basilica and chapels also house other relics of great significance: the largest fragment of the True Cross in the Baltic States, a piece of wood from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a replica of the nail of Christ brought from Rome, a stone from Golgotha, and a photocopy of the Shroud of Turin. In 1988, the church was granted the title of a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II.
Spiritual Experiences: The Grand Feast of Žemaičių Kalvarija – dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – take place from July 2 to 12, offering pilgrims a chance to participate in centuries-old devotional practices and experience traditional Lithuanian pilgrimage.
