Vilnius Calvary Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross recreates the whole story of Christ's arrest and his Passion, and it was designed to reproduce as closely as possible the topography of Jerusalem in Jesus's time and its orientation to the cardinal points. The route runs through a beautiful natural landscape: the forested Neris valley, cut by steep slopes and deep ravines, and the slopes of the Kidron valley. The total length of the route and the distances between the stations, measured in steps and even feet, correspond to those in the Holy Land. There are 20 brick chapels, a bridge over the Kidron stream, 1 brick and 7 wooden gates, and three stations inside the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross. The main focal point of the ensemble, the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, symbolises Mount Golgotha. The history of the Verkiai Calvary in Vilnius goes back to the 14th century, when Grand Duke Jogaila founded the Diocese of Vilnius and granted the Verkiai lands to the bishops. The bishops' palace was established in Verkiai, and somewhat closer to the city the Calvary was founded on the bishops' initiative in the 17th century. These two heritage sites in the southern part of Verkiai Regional Park are today like two great bastions of the Catholic faith that developed as separate architectural complexes. After surviving tragic times, the Verkiai Calvary has been revived to continue its mission. Large religious feasts are held here every year and pilgrims gather. The place is also loved by tourists and holidaymakers, who admire the wonderful hilly landscape, the century-old pine forest, the Kidron stream flowing through the area and a nearby spring. Walking the Vilnius Calvary Way of the Cross, you won't get lost: there are signs, arrows, posts marking the distance, information boards and other facilities for resting.