Sacrificial Cave of the Livs’ Hill Fort

Also called Skaņkalne Sacrificial Cave or Līvs’ Cave. The cave is located at the ancient Livs’ Hill Fort which was populated in the late iron age. Most likely, the hill fort inhabitants used the cave as a place for worshipping the gods. Fragments of decorated containers have been found here. In 1977 the cave was listed as a cult cave. (J. Urtāns, ZA Vēstis, 1977, No. 2; ed. J. Turlajs. Latvia Guide (Latvijas ceļvedis)). – Rīga, Jāņa sēta, 2004; A. Grīnbergs. Sacrificial Caves in Latvia (Upuralas Latvijā), 2008, published by Ziemeļvidzemes ģeoparks, 2010–2011, ER). Currently in Latvia 3 sacrificial caves are known all of which are in Northern Vidzeme. The length of the cave is 10.7 m, its largest height is 4 m, the largest width – 4.2 m, area – 17.5 m². A protected geological site. An archaeological monument of local significance (State Inspection for Heritage Protection, No 2492). Other sites nearby: Mazsalaca, Skaņaiskalns Nature Park, Swallow Rocks (Bezdelīgu Klintis).