Dunalka sacred hill

Dunalka’s Sacred Hill is a unique type of fortified site. It was established on a gently sloping hill, with its only somewhat steeper sides being the eastern slope and the southwestern part, where a stream has carved out a ravine. The northern side is separated from the surrounding flatland by a triple system of ditches and embankments, with an entrance in the middle. This layout forms a circular plateau about 60 meters in diameter. A low embankment, with some gaps, encircles the plateau.

What makes this fortified site unusual is that the gaps in the embankment suggest it had multiple entrances. August Bielenstein described six such entrances, though only four can be confirmed with certainty. It is said that solstice – Midsummer – rituals were once held on the hill. However, it remains unclear whether the site primarily served religious purposes or had a military function. /Ernests Brastiņš (1892–1942) about Dunalka Sacred Hill/

August Bielenstein (1826–1907) recorded a legend suggesting that the site was once a hillfort:

"In ancient times, a castle stood on this Sacred Hill, but later it sank into the ground, leaving only the chimney visible. A rooster was often seen sitting on top of the chimney, crowing in the morning. Once, a shepherd boy was lowered into the chimney with a rope, but he vanished, and only an empty basket was pulled back up." (Mag. XIV.)

Historical records mention the area under various names, such as Duvenelliken (1253), Duvenikes, and Duvēnalken.