Baltic Cross of Hope

The Baltic Cross of Hope is a 19-meter-tall metal cross located on a cliff in Pustkowo, in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, right by the Baltic Sea. It is a replica of the cross on Giewont, inspired by the words of John Paul II from 1987, which emphasize the spiritual connection between the Baltic Sea and the Tatra Mountains. The initiative to build it was led by Tadeusz Jędraszek, president of the Catholic Association of Polish Railway Workers. Construction began in 2001 and was completed on May 14, 2007. The cross, which is one and a half meters taller and nearly two tons heavier than the original, weighs 4.5 tons and has a deep foundation set 2.5 meters below ground level, using 170 tons of concrete. The location was ultimately chosen after consultations with local authorities, and the structure has become a spiritual and cultural symbol of the region. It was consecrated by Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga, and the residents of Pustkowo and local government authorities raised funds for its construction. Since 2009, an annual motorcycle pilgrimage from Pustkowo to Zakopane, known as the "pilgrimage from cross to cross," has been organized. During the Christmas season, a nativity scene is displayed near the cross, enriching the cultural offerings of the site. Additionally, nearby stands a replica of a ship, the so-called Expo Ship, which was part of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship's exhibition at Expo 2000.