Maradki – fortified settlement and local history
Accommodation in Maradki
Maradki brings together archaeological traces and a history of village development. In the southern part of the village, a fortified settlement stands on a moraine hill; the blue Wańkowicz Hiking Trail also passes through Maradki. These two features provide a specific framework for understanding the area in terms of cultural history and hiking.
Quick facts about Maradki
- The fortified settlement is located on the moraine hill of Zamek, also known as Wiatraczna Góra.
- It existed in the Early Iron Age and is associated with the West Baltic barrow culture.
- The ring-shaped enclosure measures 56 × 25 metres; the village historically developed as a cross-shaped street village.
- A 19th-century Evangelical cemetery is protected as a historic monument.
- The blue Wańkowicz Hiking Trail is 59 km long and passes through Maradki.
What makes the fortified settlement special?
The fortified settlement is located in the southern part of Maradki, on a moraine hill called Zamek or Wiatraczna Góra. Its layout is an irregular ring-shaped enclosure, 56 × 25 metres, elongated from east to west. An earthen rampart with an inner stone facing is part of its structure. The settlement existed in the Early Iron Age and is associated with settlement by people of the West Baltic barrow culture. Its layout and rampart describe the structure of the site, while its classification as belonging to the Early Iron Age and the barrow culture establishes its historical context. The settlement is fenced, but clearly visible in the village because of its elevated position. Its elevated position helps you place it within the village landscape.
What other traces of history can be found in the village?
The fortified settlement is not Maradki’s only historical point of interest. The village historically developed as a cross-shaped street village. This brings into view not only an individual archaeological site, but also the form in which the village developed. The village is also home to a 19th-century Evangelical cemetery that is protected as a historic monument. Together, these features represent different aspects of local history: the early fortified settlement, the village’s historical development, and a 19th-century Evangelical monument.
How should you think about the hiking trail?
The blue Wańkowicz Hiking Trail is 59 km long and passes through Maradki. The route is therefore on a different scale from the fortified settlement: it is a longer hiking route, while the historic site is in the southern part of the village. The 59 km refers to the length of the named hiking trail, not necessarily to the distance you would cover in Maradki itself. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check the current route and trail conditions before setting out. Two questions can help you decide: which section of the route would you like to take, and are you also interested in the prehistoric settlement in the village?
Discover more destinations: Krutyń, Zełwągi, Szczerzbowo, Mragowo, Mikolajki, Nibork, Kosewo, Jora Wielka.
FAQ
Where is the fortified settlement located?
In the southern part of Maradki, on the moraine hill of Zamek or Wiatraczna Góra. It is fenced and clearly visible in the village because of its elevated position.
What period does the settlement date from?
It existed in the Early Iron Age and is associated with people of the West Baltic barrow culture.
Which hiking route passes through Maradki?
The blue Wańkowicz Hiking Trail is 59 km long and passes through Maradki. Check the current route and trail conditions before your hike.
Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Mrągowski.
