Istria on the Internet - Architecture

Hillfort - Kaštelir - Castelliere
Archeology

View of Kunci Hillfort as seen from Labin (Albona)

Bronze Age Kunci (Cunzi) Hillfort
Latitude: 45.098690N Longitude: 14.137700E

The Bronze Age hillfort of Kunci (Cunzi) Hillfort is extant near the town of Labin (Albona) which was once also a hillfort. The area was settled by Liburnian Illyrians who were unique for being semi-matriarchal and having only female godesses. This area marks the beginning of the territory of the Liburni tribe of the Illyrians. The Bronze Age Hillfort was abandoned around the Iron Age.

The hillfort consists of an approximately 2 meter thick inner wall of loose stone in a 200 meter diameter semi-circular shape in front of a steep cliff and at an altitude of 330 meters. The wall has two zig-zag entrances. There is also a smaller outer wall.

One entrance has been clearly identified. Another entrance was cut in recent times and local youths use the inside perimeter for drag racing with old Serbian-built Fiats. The Croat archeologist Boris Bačić researched the entrances in the 1960's, but the rest has not been formally explored.

There originally was also a tumulus, which is now lost. Partisans also built shelters in the wall during WWII.

Source:

Text and photos - © Alex Hunger for The Megalithic Portal - go to Kunci Hillfort to see the full-size images. All copyrights reserved.

Other articles:

October 18, 2006 - Na Kuncima živjela dva naraštaja stanovnika, Večernji list
October 19, 2006 - Dva vala naseljavanja gradine Kunci, Glas Istre


In parts, the wall stands over two meters tall, while it has collapsed into loose stones in most areas.

This is the smaller outer wall, 20 meters further out from the main wall.


The original main entrance, which also had a zig-zag shape to foil would-be attackers.	The main gate is seen from above with a good stretch of wall in the rear.

In parts, the wall stands over two meters tall, while it has collapsed into loose stones in most areas. The maquis permeates the landscape, but frequent foot travel would have kept the gate clear.

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Compliments of Marisa Ciceran