Gediminas Hill, Historic summit in Vilnius, Lithuania
Gediminas Hill is a 48-meter high summit in Vilnius with steep slopes covered in grass and trees that rise above the Old Town. The hill sits near the Neris River and holds the remains of the Upper Castle on its peak.
The hill is where Grand Duke Gediminas founded Lithuania's capital in 1323 following a prophetic dream. The Upper Castle was built there and served as the center of the country's political power for centuries.
The hill holds deep meaning for Lithuanians as a symbol of their nation. The remaining tower of the Upper Castle is recognized as an emblem of the country and appears on currency and official documents.
The summit can be reached by walking path or by a daily funicular railway that starts from the base of the hill. The site is open year-round and provides views over the Old Town from the top.
Researchers have found three distinct cultural layers within the hill, ranging from the Neolithic period through the Middle Ages. These archaeological strata reveal multiple settlement periods spanning thousands of years.
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