The holy spring is a sacred site on the shores of Vištytis Lake, surrounded by the shade of spruces and pines, where fresh water flows from the depths of the earth. Legends say that the water once had miraculous powers – simply wetting the eyes with it would restore sight to the blind, and wounds would heal quickly. It is said that the first cross here was erected by a poor peasant who, in a dream, saw the Virgin Mary asking him to mark this place. The man complained that he had neither a cart nor horses, only an axe, and he was greatly distressed. He told his neighbor about his dream, and the neighbor reassured him. Together, they went to the forest, cut down an oak tree, and placed the cross exactly where Mary had asked – by the spring.
Since then, people have been visiting the spring to pray, build, and bless crosses, and the surrounding area has become known as the Hill of Little Crosses. Even today, people believe in the healing properties of the spring – visitors take the water, sprinkle it on themselves, and take it home.
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