Why does this hill look so intentionally shaped? It is a rectangular courtyard measuring 18 metres long and 40 metres wide, facing the northwest. It sits on a mound on the right bank of the Sruoja stream.
This site is known as the Alsėdžiai hillfort. It is dated from the 1st millennium to the 13th century. It was clearly a fortified site, yet no cultural layer was observed. Nearby, about 1 km to the north, lies a pagan site dating from the 10th to the 13th century.
Can you see the ancient defense? A ditch on the western side stands 1.5 metres high and 12 metres wide with slopes rising about 8 to 9 metres.
Today, the eastern part of the courtyard has been excavated while the northern slope shows signs of erosion. Benches have been placed on the northern slope to create a small stage area.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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