Žemaičių Kalvarija – a major site for Catholic pilgrimage | Lithuania
A major site for Catholic pilgrimage, Žemaičių Kalvarija used to be known as New Jerusalem. It was named after the hill where Jesus was crucified, changed only in the Soviet years when the KGB would persecute those who came to the town as pilgrims. Now is a place of spirituality and nature, and visitors come here to experience it.
You can reach the town by ferry, plane, bus or car. When you reach the town, however, most people get around by walking or bicycles; the town itself is fairly small. The three main things to see in the town are The Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Church Festival, Holy John Hill and the Žemaičių Kalvarijos Švč. Mergelės Marijos Apsilankymo mažoji bazilika.
The Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Church Festival is held every year on the first two weeks of July, with the main day of the festival being on the first Sunday of July. This festival is a Roman Catholic festival dedicated to St. Mary, filled with special Masses specifically for youth and children. Many pilgrims are attracted to this festival, and the main supporter of the festival is The Pope. During this festival there are many people selling hand crafted goods, which make lovely presents or keepsakes.
There are some guest houses in Žemaičių Kalvarija; however, if you want larger hotels you would be better travelling to Paplatelė 11km away. As a place of pilgrimage, however, Žemaičių Kalvarija is well used to visitors and would almost certainly be able to accommodate your needs.
