On the left bank of the Varduva stream sits the first hillfort, a smaller and older site with a rectangular courtyard measuring 48 by 27 meters. It features a rampart on the western side and a terrace on the northern side. The slopes on the southern side reach heights of 8 to 10 meters. The site is surrounded by birch trees and forest, with the northern side showing signs of fox activity.
The second hillfort is located to the south on the right bank of the stream. It was likely constructed at the beginning of the 2nd millennium when a growing community could no longer fit into the smaller, less protected first site. This larger fortification features an oval courtyard measuring 110 meters long and 100 meters wide. Its defenses include a 40-meter-long rampart and a 10-meter-wide ditch reaching 1.5 meters deep, along with steep slopes rising 10 to 15 meters high.
Nearby archaeological evidence includes a settlement from the early 2nd millennium on a one-hectare plot and a cemetery located 150 meters from the first hillfort. The entire complex dates from the 1st millennium to the 13th century. Historical records from April 5, 1253, mention a castle named Gegrė in this area. Today, the sites remain surrounded by mixed forest and birch trees, with some areas cleared to show new growth.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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