Vilnius Upper Castle (Gediminas Hill)
Gedimino Pilis · Creve Castle
Medieval (13th century–1394)·Grand Duchy of Lithuania·🇱🇹 Vilnius, Old Town, Gediminas Hill at Neris–Vilnia, Lithuania
Gytis Grižas https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16452479 · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
About Vilnius Upper Castle (Gediminas Hill)
Hillfort-origin Upper Castle on 48 m Gediminas Hill at Neris–Vilnia confluence, founded where Grand Duke Gediminas' dream of an iron wolf howling led to capital 1323. Wooden castle replaced by brick under Vytautas 1409; destroyed 1394 Teutonic siege, later western tower (Gediminas' Tower) preserved as national symbol where 1919 flag first raised. Archaeological reserve.
Why it mattersHillfort-origin Upper Castle on 48 m Gediminas Hill at Neris–Vilnia confluence, founded where Grand Duke Gediminas' dream of an iron wolf howling led to capital 1323. Wooden castle replaced by brick under Vytautas 1409; destroyed 1394 Teutonic siege, later western tower (Gediminas' Tower) preserved
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Dream of iron wolf legendary historicity
Theories
- 01Upper vs Lower castle dual power centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Wooden 13th c; brick 1409
- Period
- Medieval (13th century–1394)
- Culture
- Grand Duchy of Lithuania
- Purpose
- Upper defensive castle of Vilnius capital founded 1323 by Gediminas
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
On the ground
Structures & features
54.6867° N · 25.2907° E · 48 m · 3 mapped features
Gediminas Tower
towerOctagonal brick tower 1409, museum
54.6869° N · 25.2909° EHillfort Rampart
rampartEarthen rampart trace under castle walls
54.6865° N · 25.2905° ELower Bailey Depression
slopeNeris approach slope
54.6862° N · 25.2895° E
Gallery