Hidden within Prague’s embrace lies Hradiště Hostivař, a place whispering tales of ancient fortifications and fiery finales. Hradiště Hostivař, also known as Kozinec or Šance, sits atop a plateau overlooking the Botič stream. This strategic location offered natural defenses with steep slopes on three sides. Hradiště Hostivař is more than just a hillfort. It’s a three-part marvel. A central plateau is flanked by two fortified areas to the west and north. Originally estimated to cover 5.28 hectares, modern surveys suggest it sprawled across nearly seven. Imagine standing here centuries ago. The formidable ramparts, built from earth, stone, and timber, protected the inhabitants. An outer ditch further strengthened the eastern side, the most vulnerable point. While time and agriculture have softened the contours of the fort, you can still trace the remnants of these defenses. Fragments of pottery discovered here tell a fascinating story. These shards date back to the Late Hallstatt period, around 600 BC, making Hradiště Hostivař Prague’s only known Iron Age hillfort. The hillfort likely met a dramatic end. Excavations have uncovered scorched stones and glassy slag within the ramparts, suggesting a devastating fire. Whether this was a deliberate act or the result of a fierce attack remains shrouded in mystery. Laboratory experiments show that recreating this type of destruction would require temperatures reaching a staggering 1200°C. Later, during the early Middle Ages, between the 8th and 10th centuries, life returned to Hradiště Hostivař. Though the fortifications weren’t rebuilt, the hillfort continued to be a significant location. Today, Hradiště Hostivař rests peacefully within a vast park, a silent guardian of Prague’s rich past. As you walk the grounds, imagine the echoes of those who lived and fought within these walls. The story of Hradiště Hostivař is a testament to the enduring power of history, a reminder of the vibrant tapestry woven across the landscape of this captivating city.
Lochkovský potok
Listen closely. Have you ever felt the hush of a hidden stream a secret whispered among the trees? That’s the