Baltadvaris Castle, Renaissance castle in Baltadvaris, Lithuania
Baltadvaris Castle is a Renaissance fortress situated near the Siesartis River. The site preserves remains of ramparts, a main gate, and residential structures spread across an area of roughly 6 hectares.
The fortress was built in the mid-16th century by the Giedraičiai family to defend the old trade route from Vilnius to Riga against Livonian raids. It served as a stronghold at a key crossroads during a period of regional conflict.
The site reflects the name of the family who long occupied it, and this connection remains woven into the local landscape. Visitors can sense this link through the way the structures integrate with their surroundings.
The grounds are open for wandering and best explored on foot during calm weather. Visit in spring through fall to see the structures more clearly, as summer vegetation can partially obscure some remains.
Excavations from 1999 to 2003 uncovered both plain pottery and finely glazed pieces, suggesting different social ranks among those who lived there. These finds reveal that the fortress was home to people of varying status.
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