Vārtājas mound
56.48967, 21.38193
Pilskalns is one of the largest in South Kurzeme, built on the right bank of the Vārtajas river - with several ramparts, ditches and terraces. There is a spring on the flat side of the hill (approx. 5000m2), and the remains of wartime trenches on the top.
Archaeological excavations carried out in 1963 show the settlement of the mound and the old town (500 m around the mound) in the 5th - 13th centuries. Remains of dwellings, ceramic fragments, stone foundations of furnaces with clay superstructures, wooden stakes and bronze small items were found here.
Pilskalns rises on the right bank of the ancient valley of Vārtāja and is a clump covered with trees. The name "Vārtāja" is derived from the ancient Baltic language, where varra means water.
The mound with the castle is mentioned in the chapter of Deitleps Anpeke's "Renia Chronicles" (1853) about the Battle of Durbes (1260).
Article - from the Gavieze antiquities repository, author - A. Kāle
It is recommended to visit the ancient mounds in autumn, preferably in spring, when the leaves have fallen from the trees (the mound is better exposed to the view), and the access is much more convenient, as the long grass will not interfere with walking in spring. In the cold season, insects - mosquitoes, buzzards - will not interfere with enjoying the natural objects.
Let's protect nature and treat animals, plants and cultural and historical objects with respect.