Did you know that the rozhledna Hradiště Závist stands on the site of the largest Celtic oppidum in Bohemia? This wooden tower offers stunning views and a glimpse into ancient history. Let’s explore the story behind this unique landmark.
The rozhledna Hradiště Závist is near Dolní Břežany. It is about 15km south of Prague’s center. This strategic hill overlooks the Vltava River. It has been inhabited since the Middle Bronze Age. Celts settled here between 550 and 400 BC. They built an oppidum that became a major power center.
However, around the 1st century AD, Germanic tribes conquered the oppidum. It gradually lost importance. Slavs settled here in the early Middle Ages. The first archaeological descriptions date back to the 19th century. Extensive research took place from 1963 to 1990. In 1989, the area became a national cultural monument.
Exposed remains suffered from erosion. The Central Bohemian Regional Authority conserved the site in 2003 and 2004. They covered it with gravel and soil. But vegetation overgrew the area. A new solution was needed.
Dolní Břežany began a long-term revitalization project. They aimed to build a Celtic archeopark. Architect Martin Rajniš prepared a study for a wooden rozhledna in 2010. It was provisionally called Fiona. In 2015, the municipality built a Regional Information Center for the Závist Celtic Oppidum.
The Akropole Závist project started in 2021. The municipality constructed a wooden rozhledna based on Rajniš’s design. The cost was about 6.6 million CZK. Funding came from the Integrated Regional Operational Program. The main contractor was Taros Nova a.s. The rozhledna Hradiště Závist opened to the public on December 22, 2021. Its ceremonial opening was on March 19, 2022.
The rozhledna Hradiště Závist is a wooden structure with metal elements. It stands on Hradiště hill at 389 meters above sea level. The total height is 28 meters. It is 32.6 meters with the weather vane. The observation deck is at 24 meters. There are 129 steps to the top.
From the rozhledna Hradiště Závist, you can see Prague. You can also spot the Cukrák transmitter and Černošice. The Zbraslav quarry and Brdy hills are visible. Other landmarks include the Benešov Uplands and Vráten Hill. On clear days, you might see Bezděz, the Lusatian Mountains, or the Krkonoše.
Getting here involves a pleasant walk. You can walk from Lhota. This village is part of Dolní Břežany. Follow the blue and yellow marked trails. Alternatively, walk from the Závodní Míru bridge in Zbraslav. Take the yellow trail. Be aware that this route is quite steep. You can also park behind Lhota. The rozhledna Hradiště Závist is about 1 km away.
The unique construction of the rozhledna Hradiště Závist won an award. It was recognized in the Wooden Structure of the Year 2023 competition. It won in the Large Wooden Structure category.
Originally, plans included colorful желеzobeton blocks marking former oppidum buildings. However, public criticism led to a revised plan. Stones will replace the concrete monoliths.
As you ascend the rozhledna Hradiště Závist, imagine the Celts who once lived here. Feel the echoes of their ancient civilization. The rozhledna Hradiště Závist offers not only panoramic views but also a journey through time.