Dignājas pilskalns, Archaeological hillfort in Dunava Parish, Latvia
Dignājas pilskalns is an archaeological hillfort located on the left bank of the Daugava River. The elevated structure rises approximately 13 to 15 meters above the surrounding area and stretches about 80 meters in length.
The fortress was first recorded in 1366 and functioned as a medieval castle within the Archbishopric of Riga's territory. Before the 10th century, this place held greater regional influence than other fortifications on the left bank of the river.
The site served as a medieval administrative center and shaped how people understood power distribution across the region. Its position on the Daugava made it a key point for controlling trade routes that moved along the river.
The hillfort is accessible on foot from nearby roads and offers viewpoints across the river landscape. Visitors should be aware that the terrain is uneven and can be slippery during wet weather.
Excavations in 1939 led by Elvīra Šnore uncovered cultural layers up to 2.5 meters thick across the hillfort plateau. World War I trenches are still visible on the site today, revealing how the place was used during the 20th century conflict.
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