Križevac is the highest hill above Medjugorje, 520 metres above sea level. On its summit stands a white concrete cross, 8.56 metres high, that the people of the parish built with their own hands in 1934, almost half a century before the apparitions.
For pilgrims the climb is a Way of the Cross. Fourteen bronze stations line the steep, stony path, and many say that the hour or two spent climbing in prayer is the most powerful part of their pilgrimage.
In January 1934 the parish priest, Fr. Bernardin Smoljan, proposed building a cross to mark 1,900 years since the death of Jesus. The hill was then called Šipovac. Parishioners carried the cement, sand and water up the mountain on their backs, and the cross was finished in a matter of weeks. It was blessed on 16 March 1934, and from that day the hill has been called Križevac, Cross Mountain.
Relics received from Rome for the occasion are built into the crossbar. The inscription reads: “To Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the human race, as a sign of their faith, love and hope.”
In a message of 30 August 1984 Our Lady said: “The cross was also in God's plan when you built it.” The stations were first marked with simple wooden crosses; in 1988 they were replaced with bronze reliefs by the Italian sculptor Carmelo Puzzolo. Our Lady appears in every station except the one in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Each bronze relief has space around it for a group to stop, read and pray.
A bronze relief set in stone, placed on the first anniversary of his death, marks the spot where Fr. Slavko Barbarić died on 24 November 2000.
From the foot of the cross the view opens over the whole parish, the twin towers of St. James Church and Apparition Hill opposite.
Each year on the first Sunday after 8 September, thousands climb for Holy Mass celebrated at the foot of the cross.
Our guides live in Medjugorje and know these places and their stories by heart. Join a private orientation tour, or let us plan your whole pilgrimage.
A local guide shares the story of the apparitions from the very beginning, what Our Lady teaches in her messages, and walks you through the main sites of the village.
Most popularOur most popular pilgrimage: open your heart in faith and gratitude at the shrines and churches of Medjugorje and the surrounding area.
Pray on the steps to Križevac, climb the stone path of Apparition Hill and live the daily prayer of St. James parish.
