Tērvete hillfort, Archeological hillfort in Tērvete Parish, Latvia
Tērvete hillfort is a fortified settlement on elevated ground overlooking the Tērvete River, with remains of defensive structures and residential areas from the ancient Semigallian population. The site shows how people organized the space into distinct zones for protection and daily activities.
Settlement layers at the site span from the Bronze Age through to Medieval times, with the fortress later serving as a command center under Semigallian leaders before its destruction. In 1287 the Livonian Order brought an end to its role as a defensive stronghold.
The site connects to the Namejs Ring, a symbol rooted in Latvian identity that originated from the Semigallian ruler who lived in this fortress. Visitors can sense how this ring continues to represent the cultural meaning of the place for local people today.
The site can be reached by marked paths that lead visitors through the excavated areas and provide good views across the terrain. Guided tours explain the archaeological discoveries and help interpret the reconstructed elements of the ancient settlement.
Excavations between 1866 and 1892 uncovered multiple settlement layers showing how the population transitioned from Bronze Age to Medieval times. This long continuous occupation makes the site especially valuable for understanding how communities adapted over centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
