Zabrušany Hillfort

Zabrušanské hradiška, also known as Swedish chance, is an ancient and early medieval fortification near the village Zabrušany in Teplice district. It lies on the island-separating village of Zabrušany and the All Men. Its top platform reaches an altitude of 225 metres. Since 1964 it has been protected as a cultural monument. The fort was an important residential and military point that lost its meaning in the second half of the tenth century.

The castle Zabrušany has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings show that the plateau was already populated by people of culture with poplar cups and at the time of the Hallatians. The oldest fortifications here have been shown to have been built in the eneolithic, which shows the long-term human settlement of this place. A significant phase occurred in the ninth century when a new fortification was built. This period is crucial for understanding political and social changes in the territory of today's Czech Republic, when the northwest part of the region has not yet been fully integrated into the Czech Principality.

In the Middle Ages, the slopes of the island were architecturally modified. At the top, there was probably a lighter fortification of the type of palisade, which was common for the castle at the time. It was easily accessible from the south-east side, which is why there were gradually three transverse mounds. The inner and middle walls were torn apart over time. The outer wall had a wooden clay structure reinforced by the rear wall, which reinforced the wall body and increased its width to ten meters. The middle wall formed an aluminium wall with a palisade on top. Later, the front wall was reinforced with dry laid stones and a wooden chamber structure filled with stones and clay. The inner wall was protected by a much larger moat, which increased the defensive capabilities of the castle.

The connection of the Zabrušanské hradiště with the reference to the "Civitas Wizkranchi ducis" in the Fuld Planetuses, which relates to the year 857. If this is the case, the fort represents one of the houses of the non-premeditated princes. This proves its importance even after the integration of northwest Bohemia into the Czech Principality. Therefore, the monument is not only an important archaeological site, but also a key historical evidence of political change in this area.

Today, the Zabrušanské Hradiška is protected as a cultural monument and attracts tourists and people interested in history. The visit offers a unique view of the past and allows you to learn more about living conditions and defensive strategies of people from the early Middle Ages. Visiting this place is an opportunity not only to explore history, but also to enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and to understand the important role of the castles in the historical context of Bohemia.