EKETĖ HILL FORT – WHERE LEGENDS LIVE
Centuries ago, a Curonian castle stood here. The hill fort, towering on the high bank of the Eketė River, dates back to the times when the Curonians lived in these lands. Archaeological research shows that people have lived here since the 1st millennium, and the hillfort was in use until the 13th century.
The hillfort was fortified not by a single rampart, but by several ramparts and moats. This was intended to protect the people living here and the castle from enemies. Archaeologists have found various traces of daily life and warfare here—tools, weapon parts, jewelry, pottery, amber, and even Roman coins.
Eketė Castle is also mentioned in the 1253 documents regarding the partition of Courland. This is one of the oldest written records of the region’s history.
However, the Eketė hillfort is not just about history. Over the centuries, countless legends and tales have been woven around it.
FUN FACT! It is said that ancient weapons and mysterious underground passages are hidden inside the hillfort. The story goes that people used to try to dig into the hillfort in search of hidden treasures, but their efforts were always thwarted by an invisible force. Other tales speak of horsemen, soldiers, and even a headless general appearing on the hillfort at night.
Is this a legend or an echo of times past? You decide.
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