The wooden carvings represent deities such as Perkūnas, Austėja, and Aušrinė, aligned to correspond with specific astronomical events.
The sanctuary functions as a solar calendar, where the placement of the poles allows for the tracking of the sun's position during equinoxes and solstices.
Birutė Hill, where the site is located, is named after the mother of Vytautas the Great and holds significant status in local mythology.
The original prehistoric sanctuary was believed to be destroyed during the Christianization of Samogitia in the early 15th century.
The site uses traditional Samogitian wood-carving techniques to preserve the aesthetic of early Baltic pagan craftsmanship.
The Samogitian Sanctuary, or Žemaičių Alkas, is a reconstruction of an ancient pagan cult site and observatory located on Birutė Hill in Palanga. It features a series of wooden pillars carved with symbols representing ancient Baltic deities, functioning as an astronomical calendar. The site was built in 1998 to replicate the historical pagan sanctuary that allegedly existed on the site until the 16th century. It is positioned on a high dune near the Baltic Sea, reflecting the traditional relationship between Baltic spiritual sites and nature. The site serves as an educational space highlighting pre-Christian Baltic religion and pagan customs. It is integrated into the Palanga Botanical Garden area, accessible via forest trails near the coast.
The elevated vantage point from the edge of the dune looking back toward the wooden circle with the sea in the background.
Visit during a sunset or sunrise to see the shadows of the wooden pillars align with the astronomical markers.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sandy, uneven dunes.
Combine your visit with the nearby Amber Museum located at the base of Birutė Hill.
Do not attempt to climb or deface the wooden pillars, as they are considered significant cultural heritage symbols.
