Samogitian Sanctuary (Lithuanian: Žemaičių Alkas) is a pagan shrine with a paleoastronomic observatory. Based on a past sanctuary near this place, Samogitian Sanctuary was rebuilt in June 1998. The historic site stood on Birutė Hill in Palanga, where it stood until about the 16th century. The site is thought to have been in use for several centuries, from the 13th to the 16th century, before the arrival of Christianity in the region.
The wooden statues at this site represent several Baltic gods: Thunder, Dawn, Continent, Austėja, Ondenis, Patrimpas, Patulas, Devil, and Lada. The statues were all carved by local folk artists.
When the sun sets in the sea, the columns can be used to calculate calendar holidays: Dew, Stork Day, Mardi Gras, Christmas, etc.
From 1966 to 1976 Archaeological excavations near Šventoji were carried out by dr. Rimutė Rimantienė. She found one of the most interesting Stone Age amber treasures. At the Samogitian alcove, one sculpture copies a 5,000-year-old, 2 meter tall wooden pillar with an owl-like goddess mask found during excavations.
