Šeimyniškėlių piliakalnio istorinis kompleksas
The Šeimyniškėlių hill-fort complex in Anykščiai: an observation tower exhibition on the presumed Voruta Castle and a “living history” bailey courtyard.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
On the Šeimyniškėliai hill-fort, in the middle of the 13th century, there stood a state wooden castle guarding the northern border of the Lithuanian state. It was the largest castle in Eastern Lithuania and is presumed to be the site of King Mindaugas's Voruta Castle. Since 1997, ideas have been put forward in Anykščiai, and gradually implemented, to turn this hill-fort into a “living history” school and to create another original place to visit.
The complex now recalls the first and only King of Lithuania, Mindaugas, and the everyday life, battles and routine of the castle's defenders. The observation tower exhibition introduces the history of the Šeimyniškėliai (Voruta) castle – one of the largest wooden castles in Eastern Europe – with archaeological finds, the weapons of a warrior of the 13th–14th centuries, household objects of the castle's defenders and a model of the castle.
In the bailey courtyard visitors can shoot with a bow, throw an akstis (throwing stick), start a fire, boil tea over a bonfire, play the Viking rope game, explore an experimental archaeological excavation, train on the outdoor combat ground, play ancient games and watch crafts being made. The complex is a branch of the A. Baranauskas and A. Vienuolis-Žukauskas Memorial Museum.
Highlights
- Observation tower exhibition on the Voruta Castle
- Weapons of a 13th–14th-century warrior and a castle model
- Bailey courtyard for “living history” activities
- Shooting with a bow, throwing the akstis, making fire
- Experimental archaeological excavation
Permanent exhibition
- Apžvalgos bokšto ekspozicija – The tower tells the history of the Šeimyniškėliai (Voruta) castle and displays archaeological finds, the arms of a 13th–14th-century warrior, household objects of the castle's defenders and a model of the castle.
- Operated by
- A. Baranausko ir A. Vienuolio-Žukausko memorialinis muziejus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Pupils, students, pensioners and holders of the Anykštėnas card |
| Families | €11Family ticket for a group of 4–7 people: 1–2 adults and 2–6 people aged 7 to 18. |
| Educational programme (for pupils – €4) | €5 |
| Educational programme of the Kultūros pasas (Culture Pass) | €3 |
The price applies to a guided tour of the complex. Photography for commercial purposes (1 hour) – €50; filming – €100.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €11 · Family ticket for a group of 4–7 people: 1–2 adults and 2–6 people aged 7 to 18. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
“Living history” activities in the bailey courtyard are offered for children and families.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for commercial purposes (1 hour) costs €50; filming (1 hour) costs €100. |
| Good to know | In the bailey courtyard you can try out the everyday life of the castle's defenders: shoot with a bow, throw an akstis, make fire, play ancient games. |
