Hradiště Na Farkách Hillfort

Welcome to the place where one of the most interesting archaeological treasures of Prague - Castle Na Farky is situated in front of you. You are standing on the edge of the island, which is situated over the right bank of the Vltava, and before you there is a slightly wavy surface on which it is difficult to distinguish the remains of ancient buildings. Even though you can't see the stone walls or the towers here today, you can feel that this place was once vibrating with life and meaning. The air carries the light smell of forests and rivers, and when you look around, you notice a steep west slope that exceeds the bottom of the Vltava Valley. This slope is a natural defense that has been supplemented in the past by human activity.

Let's move forward in time and see how this place evolved. The first settlement here comes from the eneolite, where the area was inhabited by Baden culture. At the time, people used fertile soil and a strategic location on the high rise that provided a view of the river and the surrounding landscape. A few thousand years later, at the end of the older Bronze Age, the first strength element - a moat accompanied by a stone wall, built by a dry stone method. This fortified complex was probably designed to protect the people from their enemies and to ensure control over important trade routes along the Vltava.

The following periods, the late period of the Hallatians, have brought a new dimension to the island. A significant seat belonging to the Bylanese culture was established here, which probably served the then elite layer of the population. The fortification was extended and strengthened, so the fort became the center of power and social life. At this stage, not only defence but also administrative and ceremonial activities were concentrated on the ground. Later, during the period of Latin culture, the settlement collapsed into unfortified villages, suggesting a change in social structure and perhaps a decline in the importance of this place.

Now pay attention to what you can directly observe. Although stone remains are rather fragmental today, you can imagine what the original moat was - deep and wide, dug into the ground to make it difficult for the enemy to access. On its edges was a stone wall, composed of carefully stacked stones which formed a solid barrier. This wall was built without painting, indicating the high skills of builders at the time. If you look at the western slope, perceive its steeple, which naturally supplemented human defense - the attackers would have to climb this slope before they could reach the fortification itself.

Although the names of architects and residents remain unknown, the site is linked to several important personalities involved in its detection. At the beginning of the twentieth century there worked writer and historian Eduard Štorch, who recorded lines of old fortifications to help maintain awareness of their existence. Between 1966 and 1967 he led archeological research by Miloslav Slabina, whose work brought new knowledge of the structure and layout of the wall. Subsequently, between 1968 and 1974, she continued to explore Marie Fridrich, whose systematic excavations revealed other layers of settlement and extended our understanding of the development of this place. Thanks to their efforts, we can now monitor the gradual development of the fort from the eneolithic settlements to the Latin villages.

The interesting thing, which often attracts visitors, is that the castle Na Farky also bears other names - above Pohoří and Na Vitrak. These alternative names reflect not only the geographical location, but also the local traditions and legends that bind to this place. Another fascinating fact is that during the late period of the Hallatians, there is probably a significant residence for the then elite class of inhabitants. This suggests that the fort was not only a defensive camp, but also a centre of power and culture, where leaders, traders and craftsmen met. Although only traces are present today, imagine what life was like at that time - a busy marketplace, festivities, craft workshops and perhaps even rituals that took place in the open air.

And now for one mystery that gives the place a mysterious touch. Although archaeologists have discovered many layers of settlement, the exact function of some parts of the wall and trench remains unclear. Some sections of the ditch are deeper and wider than others, suggesting that they could serve different purposes - from defensive to symbolic. Moreover, there have been traces in some places that could be associated with ritual activities, but their nature is not yet clearly defined. This unclarified part encourages us to further research and to imagine that there are even more stories beneath the surface that are waiting to be discovered.

In conclusion, I invite you to stop by this place and get carried away by its atmosphere. Look at the terrain, see the height differences, imagine what life was like a thousand years ago, and think about how human destinies intersect with natural shapes. If you are interested in a more detailed view of the different layers of settlement, you can look at the information boards near the entrance, where the results of the research by Eduardo Štorch, Miloslav Slabina and Marie Fridrich are briefly summarised. Whether you are here for the first time or coming back, Na Farky Castle will always offer you a new perspective on the rich history of Prague and its surroundings. Thank you for joining this audio guide, and I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the other historical gems that this country hides. Let us part with this place with respect for the past and joy of what we can discover together.