Varbola Stronghold, Medieval hillfort in Märjamaa Rural Municipality, Estonia.
Varbola is a medieval fortress on a hilltop in Märjamaa, spread across a sizable area and surrounded by a thick limestone wall. The site contains the remains of residential areas, a deep water well, and multiple access points that define its original layout.
The fortress first appears in historical records in 1211 when it came under siege, after which it served for centuries as a defensive stronghold. The structure eventually shifted to a different purpose, marking a major change in how the site was used by people living in the region.
The site reflects how people built their settlement within the protective walls, creating a small community that relied on the fortress for safety and organization. Visitors walking through the grounds can still sense the traces of domestic life that once filled this space.
The site is open to visitors during daylight hours and allows you to walk around the walls and explore the different areas of the fortress. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven and hilly throughout the grounds.
Excavations in the 20th century revealed the remains of about 90 buildings, including everyday objects like bone gaming pieces left behind by former inhabitants. These discoveries provide a rare glimpse into what daily life was actually like for people living inside the fortress centuries ago.
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