Remember Bořivoj I the first known Přemyslid ruler. His story begins at Levý Hradec.
Levý Hradec is an early medieval Bohemian gord. It is situated 3 km northwest of Prague near Roztoky. This fortified settlement served as Bořivoj I’s original seat.
Let’s journey back to the mid-9th century. Imagine a promontory high above the left bank of the Vltava River. Here Bořivoj I built his stronghold. This is Levý Hradec.
Levý Hradec holds a special place in Czech history. It was here that Christianity first took root in Bohemia. Bořivoj I converted to Christianity. He then built the first Christian church dedicated to St. Clement.
Kristián wrote about the St. Clement church. He mentioned its first priest Kaich. Saint Adalbert was elected here as bishop in 982.
The Přemyslid dynasty left Levý Hradec in the early 10th century. But the settlement remained dense. New buildings rose and fortifications were repaired. A road called Boleslavka connected it with another Přemyslid fort in Boleslav.
But why was Levý Hradec abandoned. By the end of the 11th century the site was deserted. There is no evidence of further repairs. The reason remains a mystery to this day.
Archaeologists began excavating Levý Hradec in the 19th century. Čeněk Rýzner and Josef Ladislav Píč led the initial digs. Major excavations took place in the 1930s and 1950s. Ivan Borkovský unearthed the foundations of the original St. Clement church.
Near Levý Hradec another fort was discovered. Josef Ladislav Píč first described it. Excavations revealed a settlement comparable in size to Levý Hradec. Archaeologists believe this is the Pravý Hradec. Pravý Hradec means fort on the right side. Levý Hradec means fort on the left side.
The fortification at Levý Hradec consisted of two parts. There was an acropolis and a fortified settlement. The acropolis covered 3.6 hectares. It was protected by a wooden and earthen rampart with a stone wall. Inside archaeologists found log buildings with plank floors.
Levý Hradec is more than just ruins. It is a symbol of beginnings. It represents the dawn of Czech Christianity. It stands as a testament to the Přemyslid dynasty’s power. Take a moment to reflect on the sweep of history that unfolded here at Levý Hradec.