Description
About 1.4 km southeast of the first Velikuškiai hillfort lies the second Velikuškiai hillfort, also known as Sala. The hillfort is situated in a narrow passage, likely on what was once an island between Lakes Sartai and Zalvė, near the Dusetos–Obeliai road, and today it is one of the most visited sites in Sartai Regional Park; and its observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of Lakes Zalvė and Sartai. In 1933, the hillfort was excavated by Petras Tarasenka (1892–1962), a retired colonel in the Lithuanian Army and an archaeologist. A distinct cultural layer was discovered on the elongated hillfort site, containing stone axes, smooth pottery, iron scraps, animal bones; a settlement at the foot of the hillfort was located to the northwest. Research has shown that the hillfort was in use for a relatively long period, from the 1st millennium B.C. until the 13th century—the early period of Lithuanian statehood—when it was destroyed by attacking enemies. In 1929, the social activist Domas Šidlauskas-Visuomis (1878–1944) moved to the Dusetos area; who, through his writings and activities, sought to combine the preservation of Baltic identity with elements of Christianity. In 1931, he chose the Velikuškiai II hillfort as the center—the sanctuary—of his Romuva; on it stood a massive “Pikuolio” pine tree with a hollow suitable for sitting. At Romuva, he began organizing summer camps, courses, and Kupolines. After the war, the hillfort was constantly being damaged by agricultural activities, and in 1963, while a road was being built, part of its southeastern slope was cut away, and the “Pikuolio” pine tree was also lost. You can visit the Velikuškiai II hillfort while traveling along the Dusetos–Obeliai road; it has been made accessible to visitors, with new wooden stairs installed and the surrounding area landscaped. The hillfort has been adapted for visitors, with wooden stairs installed.
