A hillfort on a grassy ridge, a Baroque watermill and an annual Masopust carnival give Hřibiny-Ledská a range of historical facets. For travel planning, this offers a choice between archaeological traces, architectural history and a recurring festival—with specific places and themes rather than a single, all-encompassing attraction.
Hradiště: Hillfort and Terrain
Hradiště is a grassy ridge between Velká Ledská and Lično. Remains of a hillfort from the Lusatian culture period have been preserved there; the site dates from 1200 to 900 BC. The hillfort stood on a plateau measuring approximately 250 by 150 metres. A double rampart running north to south separated it from the rest of the ridge.
At Hradiště, the dating and the terrain go hand in hand: the date points to the Lusatian culture, while the plateau and double rampart describe the hillfort’s position on the ridge. Visitors interested in archaeological evidence will find a local highlight here that encompasses both a specific cultural period and the physical layout of the hillfort.
Mlýn Podlíska: Mill and Ensemble
Vodní mlýn Ledská, also known as Mlýn Podlíska, is a Baroque watermill on the Bělá. Its described architectural features include a half-timbered upper storey and a shingle roof. A large farmyard lies around the mill, bordered by a row of half-timbered and stone farm buildings. The architecture therefore cannot be reduced to the mill alone: the yard and the surrounding farm buildings are also part of the ensemble.
The Mlýn Podlíska ensemble at house no. 56 is listed as an immovable cultural monument under number 2240. It comprises the mill, a barn and a residential building; this residential building is privately owned. Mlýn Podlíska is considered probably the most significant cultural monument in Hřibiny-Ledská. Two aspects should be distinguished: the Baroque designation applies to the watermill, while the monument status applies to the ensemble and its named components.
Memorials and Archaeological Finds
Inhabitants erected a stone cross in front of house no. 19 in Hřibiny after 1848 to commemorate the abolition of compulsory labour.
Two chapels are also associated with specific names and locations. The Chapel of St John of Nepomuk lies between Hřibiny and Velká Ledská. The Kaplička nad Malou Ledskou is listed among the cultural monuments of Hřibiny-Ledská. Another archaeological point of interest is the Čápy area in the cadastral territory of Velká Ledská, where a Bronze Age bronze hoard was found. This find differs from Hradiště: Čápy is associated with a Bronze Age hoard, while Hradiště is associated with the remains of a hillfort from the Lusatian culture period.
Masopust and Travel Planning
A traditional Masopust carnival is held every year in Hřibiny-Ledská. If you would like to make the festival the reason for your trip, check the date for your chosen year and plan your stay accordingly. This makes it possible to plan your festival visit as a specific reason for travelling, while the hillfort, mill and other historical themes offer their own ways to explore the area.
Discover more destinations: Podbřezí, Skuhrov Nad Bělou, České Meziříčí, Častolovice, Plasnice, Bílý Újezd, Lupenice, Bystré
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.
