# Lieto Castle

- **Country:** Finland
- **Coordinates:** 60.486389, 22.377222
- **Condition:** Totally ruined
- **Year Built:** 1500 BCE
- **Location Text:** Lieto

The Old Castle of Lieto, known locally as Liedon Vanhalinna, is a historic hillfort site located in Lieto, Finland. Rising 55 meters above sea level, the site sits strategically between the Aura River and the ancient Hämeen Härkätie road, which historically led to central Tavastia. Although often referred to as a castle, it was originally a fortified settlement with wooden structures and later brick elements built upon a steep, defensible hillside. The location served as a crucial stronghold for the local Finns Proper population until approximately 1170, when it was likely conquered by Swedish forces who utilized it against the Tavastians. Its military significance eventually waned following the completion of Turku Castle in the early fourteenth century, leading to its current designation as the "Old" Castle.

Archaeological excavations reveal that the site was occupied during three distinct historical phases, spanning from the Late Bronze Age through the Middle Iron Age and into the medieval period ending around 1370. Artifacts discovered on the grounds include German currency, Scandinavian bracteates, numerous arrowheads, crossbow bolts, and spear heads dating back to the sixth century. Evidence of multiple fires suggests periods of conflict or destruction, with the latest traces dated to the 1360s. Remains of eleven buildings and an outer bailey indicate a substantial settlement that evolved over centuries of use, reflecting the changing political and cultural landscapes of the region.

Today, the area is owned by the University of Turku, having been donated in the 1950s by Mauno and Ester Wanhalinna. The donors had previously developed the site into a manor home, and per their charter, it now houses the Vanhalinna Museum. This institution displays archaeological finds ranging from the Stone Age to the medieval era, alongside a folk culture department featuring agrarian tools and exhibits on rural life. The museum preserves both the ancient history of the hillfort and the more recent manor heritage, serving as an educational resource for visitors interested in the history of Southwest Finland.

![Photo of Lieto Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Lieto_old_castle_1.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Castle_of_Lieto (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)