A quadrilateral plateau sits on a high terrace in Žeimiai, guarded by a crown of earthworks. It is a prehistoric hillfort dating from the beginning of the second millennium. The site measures 47 by 41 metres and is oriented along the north-south direction.
The eastern bank of the hillfort rises to 1.5 metres in height and 14 metres in width, while other parts reach 0.5 metres in height and 5 metres in width. At the corners of the plateau, a trench 12 metres wide and 3 metres deep has been excavated, with the bottom in the southern part being 6 metres wide. The slopes leading into the valleys stand 5-6 metres high.
Historical records suggest that a wooden castle of Žeimiai once stood on this hillfort, which was burned by the crusaders in the 14th century. The site was fortified with ditches and later features from the New Ages. Today, the area is covered with bushes and sits near the Bevardis pond.
Visitors can find an oak monument from 2007 and an information board near the site. The hillfort remains a notable archaeological landmark in the Žeimiai eldership, located just 200 metres from the local church.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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