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Bernotai Hillfort

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Girija village, located near Vilnius, is well known to both Lithuanian and foreign tourists. The village gained fame in 1989 when scientists from the French National Geographic Institute determined that the geographical center of Europe is located 26 km north of Vilnius. While it is often claimed that this point is in Purnuškės village, it is actually in Girija village.

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Bernotai Hillfort and Altar Hill: A Unique Part of Lithuanian History Girija village, located near Vilnius, is well known to both Lithuanian and foreign tourists. The village gained fame in 1989 when scientists from the French National Geographic Institute determined that the geographical center of Europe is located 26 km north of Vilnius. While it is often claimed that this point is in Purnuškės village, it is actually in Girija village. Bernotai, a small village near the center of Europe with only six residents today, boasts a rich history evidenced by its hillfort with a rampart, ancient settlement remains, and a burial ground. Hillfort: An Ancient Defensive Structure Bernotai Hillfort is one of the oldest such structures in Lithuania, dating back to around the 1st century AD. It is a natural hill about 12 meters high, on which a defensive castle likely stood. The hillfort is surrounded by Lake Girija, the valley of its outflowing stream, and a protective ditch – typical features of defensive structures. Within a 20-kilometer radius around the geographical center of Europe, at least seven other hillforts can be found, such as those in Nemenčinė, Piliakiemis, and Dubingiai. Lithuania has about 1,000 hillforts, making it one of the countries with the highest concentration of such structures in the world. Ancient Settlement Remains To the north of Bernotai Hillfort, remnants of an ancient settlement
have been discovered. Archaeological research has uncovered pottery and iron slag, indicating human activity in the area from the 1st to the 12th centuries. These findings are now housed in the National Museum of Lithuania. Altar Hill: A Sacred Site In Bernotai, an Altar Hill has also been discovered – one of the most widespread types of sacred sites in Lithuania. Altar Hills typically featured an altar for the eternal flame, guarded by priestesses. These sacred sites were usually established in open areas near other archaeological monuments, sacred groves, or rivers. The word "alka" (altar) is associated with the word "alkti" (to hunger), highlighting the Altar Hill's connection to the concept of sacrifice or feeding the gods. Bones of the deceased found near these sites indicate that they were places of both sacrifice and burial. Even after the official introduction of Christianity in Lithuania, sacred sites remained an important part of spiritual life – people would gather here to pray for health, good harvests, and bring offerings after church services. Location and Accessibility Bernotai Hillfort is located at the 25th kilometer of the Vilnius-Utena highway (A14), 100 meters to the left of the road. This unique site attracts history and nature enthusiasts from both Lithuania and abroad. Visit Bernotai Hillfort and Altar Hill to experience the spirit of Lithuanian history and culture!
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