Valjala Stronghold
Remnants of Valjala Stronghold | |
Valjala Location of the site in Estonia | |
| Location | Saare County, Estonia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 58°23′59″N 22°47′41″E / 58.39972°N 22.79472°E |
| Type | Ringfort |
| History | |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Abandoned | c. 13th century |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Ruins |
The Valjala Stronghold (Latin: Castrum Waldia, Estonian: Valjala Maalinn) was a major ringfort on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia. Established in the 12th century, at the time it was the most important Oeselian stronghold. Its surrender in 1227 finalized the crusader conquest of Estonia.
The surroundings of Valjala hillfort consist mostly of marshland. Higher ground extends for approximately 200 metres northeast of the hillfort, along the present-day road. A thin cultural layer has been discovered there, remaining from the former “town.” It was not an actual town, but rather a seasonal gathering place.