East of Stehelčeves lies Homolka, an archaeological hill bordered to the north by the Dřetovický Stream. The site brings together traces of a fortified settlement from the Eneolithic period and a small early medieval burial ground. It is also linked to the local chronicles, recurring community events, and evidence of former religious sites. If you are interested in history, Stehelčeves offers several themes that differ in both period and subject matter.
Homolka: Settlement and Archaeological Site
Homolka is classified as a Category I archaeological area and is considered a significant archaeological site. The Eneolithic fortified settlement included a palisade, a two-metre-wide ditch, and gates. These features make the fortification the central subject of the site: the palisade, wide ditch, and gates describe parts of the settlement, not merely individual finds.
The site also includes a small early medieval burial ground. The distinction between the periods is important: the fortified settlement and the burial ground represent different eras. Homolka therefore tells the story of more than a single settlement phase. Its location east of Stehelčeves and the stream forming its northern boundary also provide a specific geographical reference.
Nature Trail and Biocorridor
The Stehelčeves nature trail includes a long circular route with 13 stops. The Stehelčevský okruh II long loop has a stop about the biocorridor, covering its creation and importance. Alongside the archaeological themes, visitors can explore a loop with several stops and a specific landscape-related topic.
Local History to Read About
A special volume of the Stehelčeves municipal chronicles documents life in the village since 1316. This means the subject of local history extends far beyond individual buildings or artefacts. Those who would like to learn about the historical background before their trip can also read online: the first volume of the municipal chronicles has been digitized and is available on the municipality’s website.
Meetings about the municipal chronicles, open days, and exhibitions take place in Stehelčeves every year. These recurring events give local history an additional event-related dimension. Specific dates may vary. So if you would like to combine your stay with a meeting, open day, or exhibition, check the relevant date when planning your trip.
Former Chapel and Religious History
There was once a Late Baroque chapel near house no. 1; it no longer exists. The chapel housed a Late Gothic statue of Saint Peter and a bell dating from 1736. These distinct details—the architectural style, the statue, and the dated bell—offer several concrete points of connection to local history.
Another historical site was the former well of Saint John the Baptist in Na Brůdku. It was the first stop on processions to the Church of Saint John the Baptist in the forest near Vrapice. The well was damaged during the same period as the former chapel. Its connection to the processions makes it a different historical subject from Homolka’s architectural and archaeological history.
What to Consider When Planning Your Trip
When choosing your travel dates, it helps to distinguish between lasting historical themes and events that depend on specific dates. Homolka, the municipal chronicles, and the former religious sites reveal different aspects of local history; the annual meetings, open days, and exhibitions, by contrast, depend on particular dates. This allows you to decide whether to plan your stay mainly around archaeological and historical themes or around an event.
Discover more destinations: Unhost, Buštěhrad, Třebichovice, Kmetiněves, Neprobylice, Hobšovice, Jedomělice, Kutrovice.
For the broader travel overview: Kladno District.
