Antatilčiai can be understood through its memorials in the village and two named hillforts, with information about their terrain, dating, and access. This offers different focuses for a stay: cultural landmarks in the village or the landscape and historical context of the hillforts. The names Antatilčių I (Pilalė) and Antatilčių II (Papilėda) are important, as the information about the two hills differs and applies to the corresponding site.

Memorials in Antatilčiai

In the center of Antatilčiai stands a wooden cross with a wooden rūpintojėlis figure. It is intended to protect the village and bears the inscription “Čia išėjusiems atminti. 2000 m.” (“In memory of those who have passed away. 2000”). The protective purpose and inscription emphasize different things: the cross is associated with the village while also commemorating those who have passed away in explicitly stated terms.

A koplytstulpis in Antatilčiai is dedicated to the printer Juozas Kapočius. Unlike the cross’s inscription, which commemorates those who have passed away, this dedication is to a person known by name. His occupation as a printer is part of the name Juozas Kapočius and gives the dedication a cultural connection. The village’s landmarks thus include both a memorial and a dedication to an individual.

Papilėda: Terrain and Dating

Antatilčių II, also known as Papilėda, lies at the confluence of the Siesartis and Žydaupis rivers. Its steep slopes are 12 m high. The platform is triangular, elongated from west to east, and measures 30 × 15 m. The information distinguishes between two parts of the terrain: 12 m refers to the slopes, and 30 × 15 m to the platform. Together, these details describe the hillfort’s location, shape, and orientation.

The date ranges concern the same transition but are specified differently. Antatilčių I (Pilalė) is dated to the beginning of the second millennium; Antatilčių II (Papilėda) to the period from the end of the first millennium to the beginning of the second. Papilėda’s dating thus includes the end of the first millennium, while Pilalė is associated with the beginning of the second. These dates also help distinguish the two hillforts historically.

Different Access Routes

The access routes also differ in starting point and type of path. The route to Antatilčių I (Pilalė) hillfort begins in the center of Antatilčiai and follows a field road for about 650 m. From a homestead, a footpath about 300 m long leads to Antatilčių II (Papilėda) hillfort through the forest along the left bank of the Siesartis. The shorter route therefore starts from a different point than the route to Pilalė; the two distances are not equivalent routes from the village center. When planning your visit, take the starting point and type of path into account, and check current trail conditions beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Žydkaimis, Madžiūnai, Juodšiliai, Karvys, Bezdonys, Eišiškės, Liucionys, Kiemeliai

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius District.