Nestled within the heart of the Lithuanian countryside, the hill of Šatrija stands at 228 meters (748 ft) in the Samogitia region. Part of the Šatrija Landscape Reserve, this hillfort dates back to the 1st millennium BCE and served as an archaeological site where researchers believe an important pagan temple was located before the Christianization of Lithuania.
Historical records show that a wooden castle stood on the summit at some time in the 14th century. Today, the site remains a registered cultural monument, known by names including Pašatrijos piliakalnis su gyvenviete and Luokės piliakalnis. It offers a window into the ancient settlement and fortifications of the region.
Local legend associates the name Šatrija with the Sabbath of Samogitia's witches. According to the tale, the witches danced until the roosters' crow and flew away quickly, but one misplaced her besom. She began running around shouting "Where is my šatra?" as a šatra is a twig from a besom.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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