Archaeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora
Welcome to Archaeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora, a place where history comes alive! Discover the hidden gem of our local forests! Perched on an elevated hill, this ancient hillfort was once protected by the Olše River on one side and a moat with steep slopes on the other. Originally built during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, known as the Hallstatt period, this site later became a fortified early medieval Slavic settlement. Today, you can explore a reconstructed version of this historic site at Archaeopark Chotěbu-Podobora. Come and step back in time!
In December 2015, the Archaeopark in Chotěbuz-Podobora unveiled its long-awaited multifunctional entrance building, marking a significant milestone in its development. This site, a branch of the Museum of Těšínsko, has been meticulously constructed since 2001 to replicate a Slavic hillfort nestled in the forests near Český Těšín. The Archaeopark is not just a modern attraction but a bridge to the past, continuing the site’s historical significance. Recognized as one of the Czech Republic’s premier archaeological sites and declared a cultural monument, it offers a rich tapestry of history dating back to prehistoric times. Visitors can explore the extensive history of the settlement, which provides invaluable insights into the Těšín region’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out, the Archaeopark in Chotěbuz-Podobora promises an educational and immersive experience. Come and step back in time to discover the ancient roots of this fascinating area!
What can you visit here?
It was filmed about the archaeopark
Information from history
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE CHOTĚBUZ LOCALITY
Nestled on a scenic river terrace, Chotěbuz’s story begins in prehistoric times, around the transition from the Late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age. This fortified settlement thrived for centuries before being abandoned during the Younger Latin Age. After lying dormant for about 1,200 years, the site was rediscovered and reinhabited, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Come explore the rich history and timeless beauty of Chotěbuz!
Archeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora
The fortified settlement was first built and inhabited on the river terrace in today’s Chotěbuz in prehistoric times – at the turn of the Late Bronze Age and the older Iron Age. After its demise and abandonment, which took place roughly in the Younger Latin Age, it waited another 1,200 years or so before people returned to the site. These were the Slavs who came to the area, much later called Teschen Silesia, in the early Middle Ages. The Slavs chose well – the site is difficult to access, and from the fortress they could control the trade routes leading from the south to the north and east. They were skilled traders and warriors – and therefore made good use of the still visible remains of the original fortifications and built their own new settlement on their foundations, which grew in importance especially at a time when the whole area came under the strong influence of the Great Moravian Empire. After several phases of prosperity and decline, which the Slavic settlement went through, it was finally abandoned by the people. This happened at the beginning of the 11th century, when – in short – people moved a few kilometres further east, to Těšín. The much more advantageous location of the Těšín castle, built on a rock promontory above the Olše River, and especially the town that later grew up in the sub-castle, were the reasons for the final demise of all settlement activities in Chotěbuz.
Where to get tourist information?
Contacts
For information, tourists can visit the site of the archaeological park or the Museum of Těšín, under whose administration the archaeological park falls.
Archeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora
Karvinská 455, 73561 Chotěbuz
tel. + 420 552 309 133
e-mail: archeopark@muzeumct.cz
web: www.archeoparkchotebuz.cz
Museum of Těšín Region
Masarykovy sady 103/19, 737 01 Český Těšín, tel: +420 558 761 211
e-mail: muzeum@muzeumct.cz
web: www.muzeumct.cz
Tourist Information Centre of Český Těšín
Štefánikova 17/27, 73701 Český Těšín,
tel: +420 720 043 697
e-mail: info@ic-tesin.cz,
web: www.ic-tesin.cz
How to get to the Archeopark?
The Archaeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora is located approximately 5 km from Český Těšín. You can reach us by train, bus, car or bicycle.
BY CAR. There is a parking lot for cars, which is located about 350 m from our premises.
BY TRAIN AND BUS. The railway station Chotěbuz is about 20 minutes walk from our premises. From the bus stop go towards the main road, then to the right. Before the road bridge towards Karvina, go left on the side road and continue past the Fish House to the entrance of the Archaeopark. The bus stop is Chotěbuz, the railway station is located by the railway station.
BY BIKE. Bike racks are available at the entrance building.
Tips for accommodation?
- Fish house, Karvinská 381, 73561 Chotěbuz
- Pension Pod zámkem, Pod Zámkem 131, 735 61 Chotěbuz
- Pension Pod Věží, Alšova 578/1, 737 01 Český Těšín 1
- Hotel Central, Nádražní 16/10, 737 01 Český Těšín 1
- Hotel Piast, Nádražní 208/18 737, 01 Český Těšín 1