Vieškūnai Hillfort

Archeology

Vieškūnai Hillfort erected in Palemonas on the shores of Kaunas Reservoir is one of the best-preserved hillforts in Lithuania. According to historians, there was a wooden castle in the second part of the fourteenth century which protected the city of Kaunas. Even traces of Stone Age settlements have been discovered here. Today, holidaymakers come to this place to enjoy the panoramic view of the Kaunas Reservoir, the dome of Pažaislis Monastery visible in the distance, and take a stroll along the well-equipped pathways and rocky shore of the Reservoir with an impressive escarpment.

Some time ago, the hillfort, also known as Šuneliškės hill, was covered with trees and bushes. Few local people knew of its existence. Legend has it that people could see mirages here because many years ago a nobleman's daughter committed suicide on the hill. Some legends tell about mirages of howling dogs. This is why the village got the name of Šuneliškės. In 1992, this hill was discovered, fixed up, equipped with wooden stairs, benches, and swings, A memorial rock which can be found nearby was placed in memory of the eroded hillforts. The construction of the Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant and dam involved the eviction of people from around 20 villages, which were later submerged in the Kaunas Reservoir. About fifty hillforts throughout the entire regional park of Kaunas Reservoir were eroded due to human-induced water impact.

It is believed that a wooden castle than once stood here had been attacked at least once. Its historical name remains unknown.

There was a settlement at the foot of the castle covering an area of one hectare that survived as long as the castle did. A nameless rivulet flows into Šuneliškės Ravo rivulet from the southern part of the old settlement. Later the inhabitants settled the Nemunas Valley. They probably had a graveyard.

The hillfort is owned by the Regional Park of Kaunas Reservoir. You can find it between the Nightingale Valley and Kaunas yacht club. The most convenient way to reach this place is by car or public transport. You can also visit Salomėja Neris Memorial Museum located nearby, including the ruins of Palemonas Fort that remained after the First World War.