Mindaugo sostas, Medieval hillfort in Kernavė eldership, Lithuania.
Mindaugo sostas is a medieval hillfort in Kernavė eldership that rises above the Neris River valley. The elevated terrain features steep slopes and retains remains of ancient defensive structures built by early Lithuanian communities.
This hillfort developed as part of Kernavė's medieval defense network when the town served as Lithuania's first capital under King Mindaugas. The site reflects early Lithuanian efforts to establish fortified settlements in the region.
The site reflects the presence of Baltic communities who left behind tools and weapons on these slopes. These objects tell stories about how people lived and worked in medieval Lithuania.
Access is available through marked trails starting from the Kernavė Archaeological Museum, which offers guided tours in various languages. Plan your visit during dry weather since the slopes can be steep and slippery.
The hillfort contains traces of wooden fortifications that burned at extremely high temperatures, leaving red clay fragments embedded in soil layers. These charred remains reveal how intense the fires were during the site's destruction.
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