Hradiště Šance (Královice) Hillfort
The Hradic Shance, also known as St. Margaret's, is an early medieval archaeological site located on the island over the Rokytka River near the Prague-Královice. This object comes from the end of the first thousand years and is among the longest known archaeological sites in Bohemia. During the period of the imaginary state, the fort was likely to have a significant military, administrative and economic position.
The locality was created at the time of the formation of the early medieval state of the Přemyslívov. In this period, such fortified objects played a key role in ensuring the region's military and administrative stability.
The fort area occupies approximately 7,5 hectares. The terrain is protected from three sides by steep slopes, while the eastern part was secured by two massive walls. The outside wall reaches 340 metres and its height is up to 7 metres. There is a moat in front of this valley, which is up to 11 metres wide in some places. There is a church of St. Margaret in the castle, whose origin is probably connected to the castle. Historical chronicles suggest that a royal castle of unknown name may have stood before the church in the past.
Significant archaeological findings occurred at this site in 1860. At that time, a container of ash and a bronze cross of 8 centimeters was discovered, depicting Christ with the sun, moon and angel. While this bronze cross is today stored in the National Museum, the ash containers were considered less interesting at the time of the discovery and were broken.
The castle is today protected as a cultural monument. This site represents a valuable archaeological object that illustrates the importance of early medieval centres in Czech history. It's a place suitable for people interested in history and archaeology.
Historical milestones
- End of the first thousand years
- The dawn of the early medieval castle.
- Period
- Significant military, administrative and economic role of the site.
- 1860
- Archaeological finding of bronze cross and ash containers.
- Present
- Protecting the castle as a cultural monument.
Architectural development
The fort was protected from three sides by steep slopes and from the east by two massive walls. The outside wall reaches a length of 340 metres and a height of up to 7 metres, before which there is a moat of up to 11 metres wide. On the castle there is a church of St. Margaret, which could have been replaced after the original royal castle.
Points of interest
- The Hradic Chance is also known as St. Margaret's and comes from the end of the first thousand years.
- It has been among the most famous archaeological sites in Bohemia and had a significant military, administrative and economic position during the period of the imaginary state.
- In the castle there were discovered vessels of ash and bronze cross of 8 centimeters, on which Christ is depicted with the sun, moon and angel.
- The castle is protected as a cultural monument and represents a valuable archaeological object that illustrates the importance of early medieval centres in Czech history.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the historical monument of Hradišce Šance in Královice, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Czech Republic. You are standing in front of a huge fortification that proudly decomposes on the edge above the Rokytka River. This view is unique and offers you the opportunity to explore one of the oldest known sites in the Czech Republic.
Hradic Chance, also known as St. Margaret's, evolved at the end of the first thousand years. It was created at a time when there was a need to strengthen the defence force and the centre for governance and the economy. A key military, administrative and economic centre was located here during the imaginary state, making it an essential part of regional infrastructure.
Look up at the huge slopes that protect the fort. These natural fortifications were a key element of the defense of this local estate. Although the particular architectural elements and their creators remain unknown, the overall structure of the fortifications will make you realize the importance of this place for its people back then.
Now pay attention to the space that occupies the fort. The area of approximately 7,5 hectares has been thoroughly used for various purposes. Although the specific personalities associated with this place are unknown, their tracks left a deep print on this place.
An interesting feature of this castle is archaeological findings from 1860. Bronze cross and ash vessels have been discovered, suggesting a rich history and a complex culture of the population. These discoveries added another layer of understanding to how the castle was used.
Let's move on and explore the more secrets this historic territorial complex holds. Every piece here tells a story of the past that we could only suspect.
When you decide to explore other parts of the Shance Castle, remember the importance of this place for the history of our nation. This guide was just an introduction to the rich past you find here.
Thank you for your attention and wishes for a comfortable exploration of Hradišance. If you have further questions or want to know more, do not hesitate to visit the local museum or information centre. When you return home, bring with you the memory of this fascinating place and its historical secret.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Šance archaeological site is spring and autumn months, when the surrounding vegetation is thin and the relief of the island over Rokytka is better lit. In summer, dense grass and shrubs can cover the details of the terrain, while in winter, access to some parts may be heavy on snow or mud. Morning or late afternoon light is ideal for understanding topography of the place, because long shadows highlight fortified elements and height differences.
Transport availability is ensured by car and public transport to the village Královice. Check the current connection of public transport and the exact route in the search engine or on the website of the transport company.
When visiting an archaeological site, it is necessary to take fixed shoes suitable for the field, because the path to the castle and movement on the sharpness can be uneven. We recommend you take with you enough drinking water, especially in warmer months, and a light snack if you plan to take a longer walk around. If you are interested in a more detailed tour, bring a map or a mobile phone with an offline map so that you are not lost in less marked areas of the terrain.
For photography it is best to use morning or evening light, which creates dramatic shadows and emphasizes contours of fortification. The best views of the castle and river Rokytka can be obtained from the higher points of the island. Make sure you don't interfere with the archaeological layers during the photo shoot and damage the vegetation. If you want to capture the link between the castle and the water flow, stand on the bank of Rokytok and take photos towards the sharpness.
For families with children, this location is suitable for short walks and nature observation, but it is important to ensure the safety of children, because the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Children should always be under adult supervision. Since this is a historic place, it is advisable to explain to children why it is important not to touch and kick the ground. There may be water areas around Rokoda, so it is necessary to ensure the safety of the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is an archaeological site. Often there is little to see on the ground and the land may be private. We have not verified access.
Where is the monument?
Location: Královice, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000153383).
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
River Rokytka and surrounding sharpness terrain.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Hradic Chance Type: Archaeological site Why to visit: Explore the remains of the ancient fortifications and soak up the atmosphere of the historic place.
2. Ostrich terrain Type: Natural terrain Why to visit: Walk along hilly landscape reveals the strategic location of the castle.
3. River Rokytka Type: Water flow Why to visit: A path along the shore offers peaceful nature in close proximity to the sights.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring season Hradiste Šance in Královice is a special place because of its live lighting, which is transformed with the length of days. Nature is awakening and trees are beginning to sprout, adding a special atmosphere of renewal and hope to historical findings. It is advisable to visit the place at noon to be used in the sun and to see the new colors of spring intersect through the landscape. Although the crowds are not too large, a visit outside the working days is recommended to ensure a quieter and more intimate walk.
Summer: In summer Hradiška is an excellent destination for visitors looking for sun days full of history. Long days and warm weather contribute to the attractiveness of this archaeological site, but it also means that the room is often downloaded into the shadows to relieve the sun. It is best to come early in the morning or later in the evening to enjoy a place without excessive temperatures while avoiding the main doses of tourists. Before going for a walk, we recommend wearing ties, umbrellas and plenty of drinking water.
Autumn: In autumn, the Hradiška Hradiška gains an atmosphere full of romance when trees turn into golden and red shades. This period is ideal for a quiet visit because the crowds are significantly smaller than in summer. The sunny and bright cold days provide a pleasant environment for walking around the historic place. It is advisable to dress warmer, especially at the end of the day when the temperature may fall rapidly. This time of year is also ideal for visiting on a non-working day to be able to fully appreciate the peace and quiet beauty of autumn nature.
Winter: In winter, the Hradiška Hradiška becomes a unique atmosphere, surrounded by snow or ice, which gives the place a romantic and mysterious form. Winter brings shorter opening times, so it is important to know about the current time of operation. Visitors should be well dressed against cold weather and wear warm shoes for a comfortable walk. This time of year offers a calmer experience of famous historical sites because the crowds are minimal. The morning is usually best to visit the site when the temperature is milder and the light of the sun adds to the atmosphere of this archaeological site.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Sources and literature
Photos: Gampe / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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