Radonice Motte

Welcome to this extraordinary historical place. Right now, you're standing outside an archaeological site in Radonice near Lower Bukovsk. If you look around you at the southern edge of the historical core of this village, you may at first glance think that there is an ordinary grassy high above you. But don't be misled by this peaceful touch of landscape. Our audio guide will guide you through a history that goes back many hundreds of years, and will help you discover the clues that the human hand left here in ancient times.

Let us now immerse ourselves in the very origin of this place and its historical context. What you see before you in the form of a terrain hill surrounded by remains is actually a very old remnant of a medieval noble mansion. The archaeological findings clearly show that this fortress was established at the end of the 13th century. Imagine the time when the region was ruled by nobles who needed a firm and safe haven for themselves and their economy. According to the historical sources available, this fortress was most likely destroyed during the stormy period of Hussite wars that affected the whole Czech country. Although the construction itself has taken its place, the country has kept secrets beneath its surface. Interestingly, the first written mention of the village Radonice itself dates back to the year 15-41, that is, when only memories and growing walls were left after the seat of the nobles.

Now pay attention to the very form of the place and what you can see here with your own eyes. As you stand in front of the extinct mansion, do not search here for preserved high walls, gates, towers or roofs. Instead, focus on off-road relays. The remains of the medieval residence in Radonice left in the field clear relief marks that you can observe right in front of you. Feel the shape of the elevation and contours that define the space where the manor building once stood surrounded by protective elements. It is these inequalities in the field that are the silent witnesses of human labour from the end of the Middle Ages.

When we think about the fate of this place, it's fascinating to realize that written records of the construction itself and its specific owners have not been preserved at all. The names of the people who lived here, built this mansion and lived their lives here, consumed time. All the more valuable are the footprints that left us the ground. And this is where we come to the stories of people who have begun to rediscover this past.

Let us move forward in time many centuries, to the modern history of research. The significant character associated with this place is František Švinger. It was he who conducted an important archaeological survey on this site between nineteen hundred twenty and nineteen hundred twenty-nine years. Imagine him with a spade, shovel, and measuring instruments going through where you're standing right now, carefully uncovering the layer by layer. Thanks to his work and the efforts of archaeologists he managed to confirm the age of the site and place it on a map of our historical treasures.

As you stand here, you may wonder what secrets Radonice is still hiding. The greatest mystery remains the anonymity of the creators and the first inhabitants. We know when the fort was founded, we know when it was approximately destroyed, and we know the outlines in the field, but the human faces and specific stories of the 13th century nobles remain hidden in mystery. Maybe that's what gives this place a strange, almost magical atmosphere. Every step you take around the hill is a step on the ground where the history of our region was once written.

We are coming to the conclusion of our joint walk on the Radouc site. I hope that you liked the sight of this inconspicuous, but extremely valuable historical memory and that you could imagine the glory of the medieval mansion being sent. When you walk around Lower Bukovsk, remember František Švinger and his archaeological discovery, which returned a piece of our forgotten past. Thank you for your attention, I wish you a nice rest of the day and I look forward to seeing you at other interesting places of our country.