atgal į sąrašą

Hill Fort of Bernotai

Bernotai Hill Fort and the Sacred Hill

Only six people live in Bernotai village today, which is located right next to the Geographical Midpoint of Europe. However, the surrounding areas have been inhabited for centuries. The hill fort with parts of a castle, remains of the village and local cemetery, all are testimonies to that.

A hill fort is a naturally-formed hillcontaining a defensive structure located at the top and a cultural layer, i. e. objects that prove former human habitation. There are about 1,000 hill forts around the country! Lithuania is among just a few countries in the world with such an abundance of hill forts. For example, there are at least 7 other hill forts in a 20-km area around the Geographical Centre of Europe (hill forts of Nemenčinė, Piliakiemiai, Dubingiai, etc.).

The Bernotoniai Hill Fort is one of the oldest mounds in Lithuania (around the 1stcentury A.D.). It is an oblong 12-metre high natural hill. It is likely that a defensive castle stood on top of it in the past. The mound is surrounded by Lake Girija, a lake-originated stream valley and a protective grove, which is very common for defensive structures.

Remains of an ancient settlement were discovered to the north of the hill fort. Archaeological research teams found samples of ceramic pots and burnt metal elements testifying to human life in these areas in the 1st–12thcenturies. These findings are kept at the National Museum of Lithuania.

Bernotai is also the site of Sacred Hill. It is one of the most commonly found types of sacred places in Lithuania, a place of cult. Such hilltops were equipped with an altar, where the eternal fire was protected by young virgin priestesses. Such sacred sites have an aura of special respect, and they were usually erected in open places next to other archaeological sites, holly woods or rivers.

The word ‘alka, alkas’ is related to the word ‘alkti (Eng. get hungry). The etymology of this word points to the concept of sacrifice or the idea of ‘feeding the Gods’. Bones of the deceased found nearby testify that these were the places of sacrifice and burial.

Even after the official introduction of Christianity, these sanctuaries remained an important part of Lithuania’s spiritual and religious life. For example, people would go there and ask for good health and a good harvest, leave sacrifices after a mass, child shepherds would imitate ancient rites around such places, and so on.

Kontaktai

Girija village, Nemenčinė eldership., Vilnius district

Nuotraukos