Route: Vītiņi – Biksti – Zebrene – Dobele – Jelgava – Cena – Tērvete – Vilce – Mežotne – Bauska – Bārbele
Since ancient times, Semigallia has been associated with wealth, greatness, its kings and the tempered character of Semigallian people. Dobe (Incēni) Hillfort was the centre of the Semigallian Land Dobene. To see an imaginary approaching enemy, climb on the hillfort’s rampart – it offers spectacular views of the surroundings!
Sacred places for religious purposes played an important role in the life of ancient Semigallians. Nature and active recreation lovers should definitely visit Zemgale’s largest Lake Zebrus and the nearby Ezerlūķi Hillfort. Dobele Hillfort keeps stories about the mightiness of ancient kings, since at the end of the 13th century it was one of the hillforts to resist invaders the longest. A Livonian Order Castle was built on the ancient hillfort and the ruins of the castle are still preserved.
To learn more about the history of the region and Semigallians, visit the Jelgava History and Art Museum of Ģederts Eliass.
Following the footsteps of Semigallian kings, a must-see on your travel list should be the Semigallian centre of culture and power – Tērvete Hillfort, most famous and most cited in the historical sources. Tērvete Wooden Castle of the 12th century is located nearby and was reconstructed according to
a model of an ancient castle. It tells about the life of Semigallian kings and displays ornaments and armaments. The Archaeological Complex of Mežotne Hillfort includes one of the largest and most beautiful hillforts of Semigallians with an ancient port.
The historical proof of the history of Bauska and its surroundings, Semigallians and the life of residents of a medieval castle is found in Bauska Castle, which in the 15th century was a symbol of power of the Livonian Order over the lands of Semigallians.
The route also includes Spārnu Hillfort, Lake Svēte and Elkus Hillock, the Dobele Local History Museum and the Dobele Crafts House, the Farm House “Caunītes”, Silakalns Hillock, the Bauska Museum and Bārbele Sulphur Spring.
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