The hidden fortress swallowed by the forest

Deep in the heart of the Lithuanian forest, Tauragnai Hillfort is a sixteenth-century archaeological site that was swallowed by the trees over four centuries ago. When it was rediscovered in 1999, it was found to be surprisingly self-contained, offering a rare snapshot of life in Lithuania during the medieval period. The hillfort has been listed in the Register of Cultural Heritage Protection Objects of the Republic of Lithuania since 2005, covering an area of 3 hectares.

It is located 120 meters from Tauragnai Lake and 650 meters from the village of Tauragnai. The hillfort was inhabited during the 6th to 8th centuries. The inner courtyard of the hillfort is located in the central part of the hill. The hillfort's outer courtyard, surrounded by a double wall, measures 16 by 10 meters and stands 4.5 meters tall. The first defensive wall, made of logs, is covered by a layer of earth, while the second, made of stone, is accessible up to a height of 7 meters.

The third defensive wall, made of timber, is covered by a stone layer up to a height of 25 meters. The fourth defensive wall, also made of timber, is accessible up to a height of 5.5 meters, and the fifth is accessible up to a height of 6 meters. Today, the hillfort is surrounded by forest, and only the outlines of its structures are visible. The site is being preserved and is open to the public.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons