Lõhavere hill fort, Ancient hillfort in Põhja-Sakala, Estonia.
Lõhavere hill fort is a stronghold situated on a moraine hill rising 8 to 10 meters above the surrounding terrain in Põhja-Sakala. The fort features sand walls reinforced with timber structures that formed the main line of defense.
Estonian chieftain Lembitu founded this defensive fort during the Late Iron Age and maintained it for roughly twenty years until its abandonment in 1223. The stronghold served as a key center of resistance during that era.
A memorial at the site honors the defenders of Sakala between 1217 and 1223, created by sculptor Renaldo Veeber and architect Ülo Stöör. The monument reflects the local community's memory of resistance during this period.
The site has parking for 13 cars and 3 buses, with metal stairs leading to the main gate and wooden stairs for the return to the parking area. This setup makes the fort accessible to visitors of various mobility levels.
Excavations have uncovered roughly two-thirds of the stronghold, confirming details mentioned in Henry of Latvia's 1215 Livonian Chronicle. These archaeological finds provide direct evidence linking the site to historical records from that period.
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