The fort that burned three times

Why does a small hill in Kalno Grikštų feel so heavy with secrets? Local tradition says that people fleeing a Great Duchy army hid gold and silver coins in the hill fort, marking the spots on a plan. However, a massive flood supposedly washed away the bridges before treasure seekers could reach it. It is a lovely bit of folklore, even if the treasure remains a mystery.

The reality is a bit more grounded. This is Kačaičių piliakalnis, a hill fort with a rampart and a bailey. Built on a ridge overlooking the Kartenalė II river, it features a nearly triangular enclosure. The layout shows the work of old builders, who created a 23-meter-long rampart to separate the fort from the bailey, followed by a 5-meter-wide ditch.

But here is the real drama: the fort burned down three separate times. Excavations in 1959 revealed layers of ash and burnt clay. After the first two fires, the inhabitants were persistent enough to rebuild and pack new sand over the charred remains. After the third fire, the fortifications were not restored.

Today, it is a protected archaeological site. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was used for defense from the 1st millennium until the 13th century. Whether you believe in hidden gold or the residents who rebuilt their home twice, the site feels remarkably enduring.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons