Kuivaketvele hillfort, Archaeological site in Taipalsaari, Finland.
Kuivaketvele hillfort is an archaeological site perched on a steep rocky elevation in Taipalsaari with stone foundations and wooden fortification remnants along its southeastern flank. The entire site spans roughly one hectare of exposed bedrock featuring constructed steps that help visitors navigate the steepest sections.
This fortification was built between 800 and 1300 AD during the Iron Age to serve as a defensive stronghold for local communities against external threats. It reflects the strategic importance of elevated rocky positions in regional defense strategies of that period.
Archaeological findings at Kuivaketvele include burial grounds in Vammonniemi and Mammonniemi, where ancient inhabitants placed ashes and offerings in rock hollows.
Access to the site follows Taipalsaarentie road from Lappeenranta, then turns onto Linnavuorentie road. The constructed steps and exposed bedrock layout allow independent exploration of the entire site without specialized equipment.
Burial grounds at nearby Vammonniemi and Mammonniemi areas reveal that inhabitants placed ashes and ritual offerings into rock crevices. These burial practices provide insight into the religious and social customs of early Iron Age communities.
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