The 13th-century timber stronghold of King Mindaugas

Šeimyniškėlių piliakalnis, also known as Voruta, is located in the northern part of the Anykšiai district. This hillfort was established in 1232 and is associated with the known castle of King Mindaugas at Voruta, where he defended against his rival Tautvila in 1251. The site is positioned between the Varelis and Volupis rivers, featuring a 3,000-square-meter courtyard with a timber castle and a settlement nearby.

Archaeologists have extensively studied the site, conducting detailed surveys of the courtyard, ramparts, and slopes. Excavations revealed the remains of fortifications and buildings, hearths, and various 13th-century finds, including ceramics and animal bones. To the west of the hillfort lies a 2-hectare settlement dating from the 13th to 14th centuries, followed by an ancient garden used from the 13th to 18th centuries.

During the Soviet era, hillforts were neglected because they were linked to the statehood of Lithuania. After the death of writer Antanas Vienuolis, interest in the site declined, and it became overgrown with forest. It was not until the late 20th century that history teacher Saulius Nefas began clearing the woods and preparing the site for public viewing.

Today, the site features a complex of historical structures. A bridge was built over the Varelis river in 2000, and a wooden observation tower was erected in 2004. Visitors can use the tower to view a model of the former castle and see archaeological finds. The site also hosts an educational museum and various programs.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons