During Soviet occupation of the area, which lasted from 1944 to 1991, the Hill of Crosses became a symbol, it seems, of defiance. Three times during the Soviet occupation, the hill and its crosses were bulldozed. Despite these attempts to end the symbolism of this site, both locals and pilgrims once again began erecting crosses.  The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 55,000 in 1990 and 100,000 in 2006. Thousands visit the site each year with the most famous occurring in 1993 when Saint John Paul II arrived to dedicate the site. His words are etched on a stone marker at the foot of the rise: "Thank you, Lithuanians, for this Hill of Crosses which testifies to the nations of Europe and to the whole world the faith of the people of the land." A hermitage has been constructed nearby to assist visitors and the faithful are welcome to add their contribution to this unusual Hill.