Sēlpils Castle, Medieval hillfort near Vecsēlpils, Latvia
Sēlpils Castle is a fortified site on an island in the Daugava River. The remains consist of stone foundations rising roughly two meters above water level and extending approximately 150 meters across the island.
The settlement was captured by the Livonian Order in 1208 and transformed into a stone castle. The fortification remained in use until 1704, representing the medieval conversion of a local stronghold.
Archaeological excavations at Sēlpils revealed layers containing mixed remnants from German stone structures and Selonian wooden fortifications from different periods.
The site can only be reached by boat from the Daugava River shore, making water access essential. The nearest departure point is from the settlement area near Vecsēlpils.
The construction of the Pļaviņas Hydroelectric Reservoir transformed the original landscape and turned the site into an island surrounded by water. This flooding submerged sections of the former fortifications and created the isolated ruins visible today.
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