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Birutė Hill

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Birutė Hill is a legendary site in Palanga, located within the picturesque Birutė Park. This 21-meter-high hill, surrounded by a centuries-old pine forest, offers a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea. Archaeological findings indicate that people have lived here since the first millennium, and during the 10th-13th centuries, the hill was home to a castle, a sacred site, and a settlement.

Birutė Hill is connected to the legend of the priestess Birutė, who is said to have tended the sacred fire here and was buried at the foot of the hill. In 1869, a neo-Gothic chapel was built at the top of the hill, adorned with stained glass windows. This place is not only a witness to history and culture but also a perfect spot for walks in nature.

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55.905601, 21.052957

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Birutė Hill is one of the most unique nature and culture sites in Palanga, attracting both history and nature enthusiasts. Located in Birutė Park, the hill is steeped in legends and stands out with its impressive landscape. The centuries-old Birutė Pine Forest surrounds the 21-meter hill above sea level, providing a stunning view of the Baltic Sea. The hill has a rich history. Archaeological studies show that people lived here as early as the first millennium. In the 10th-13th centuries, the hill was a significant part of the Curonian settlement, with a castle, a sacred site, and a village at its base. In the 14th-15th centuries, a defensive wall was built here,

which was later burned down by the Crusaders. Birutė Hill later became a pagan sanctuary with a paleoastronomical observatory, connected to the name of the priestess Birutė, the wife of Duke Kęstutis. It is said that Birutė tended the sacred fire here and was buried at this site. In 1869, a neo-Gothic chapel was constructed at the summit of Birutė Hill based on the design of architect K. Majeris. In 1976, the chapel was decorated with stained glass created by artist L. Pocius. Today, Birutė Hill is a wonderful place for both educational tourism and peaceful walks in nature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of history and legends.

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