Merkinė’s wooden castle dates all the way back to 1377 when it protected the south of Lithuania from constant Teutonic Knights attacks. Hillfort and castle were constructed in a strategically advantageous point, across the river, near the joining of Merkys and Nemunas.
Presence of the castle gave birth to Merkinė town as various resources were needed to ensure the well-being the defenders, city was constructed to the north of the hillfort.