Old Castle of Lieto, Medieval hillfort in Lieto, Finland
Old Castle of Lieto is a medieval fortification built on a hilltop in Finland that rises about 55 meters above the surrounding terrain. The remains show stone walls and wooden structures that once looked out over important ancient trade routes.
The site was occupied from the Late Bronze Age through the Middle Ages, with three distinct phases of settlement that ended around 1370. Excavations show that this location served as a defensive position for centuries.
The site takes its name from its hillside location and displays remains of eleven medieval buildings that visitors can explore today. Artifacts like arrowheads and crossbow bolts tell the story of the military conflicts that once shaped this landscape.
The University of Turku manages the archaeological site and makes it accessible for educational purposes, where visitors can examine medieval defensive structures and findings. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the terrain is fully walkable.
Archaeologists have discovered around 150 crossbow bolts at this site, an unusually high number suggesting intense combat. This abundance of bolts reveals that fierce battles took place here, making this location particularly valuable for understanding medieval warfare.
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