Discovering Kalnelis Hillfort: The Teutonic Order vs. The Samogitian Tribe

Kalnelis hillfort, situated in the Jonėnai Regional District close to the Left Bank of the Neris River, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Originally built by the Samogitian Tribe, the site was unfortunately seized and destroyed by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, ending its initial construction. Despite their efforts, the Teutonic Order were unable to take the fort itself, which was eventually abandoned. Archaeological research conducted by the Institute of History of Lithuania on the site in 1968 unearthed remnants of pottery, iron objects, animal bones, coins, and jewelry, as well as settlement remains to the north of Kalnelis hillfort, which were obliterated by the Trinitarian Order in the 16th – 18th century.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons