České Lhotice combines a rich Celtic history with the landscape of the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. The oppidum is the main cultural and historical attraction; the observation tower, cycle route, horse-riding facility and natural attractions offer other points of interest. For your planning, it is helpful to first consider whether you are mainly interested in the archaeological site or would rather focus on the landscape and activities.
The Celtic Oppidum of České Lhotice
Northwest of the present-day district of Hradiště, a Celtic oppidum was built in the 2nd to 1st centuries BC on a promontory high above a meander of the Chrudimka River. The České Lhotice archaeological site is an archaeological monument reserve. The oppidum covered about 20 hectares and was heavily fortified with massive ramparts; on three sides, the ramparts were built in up to three layers. The site is accessed from the east, where fortifications with two ditches are visible. It is the only Celtic oppidum in eastern Bohemia. In addition to residential and utility buildings, the complex included wells, hearths and terraces.
Several points of reference help put the site into context: the area indicates its extent, the ramparts its fortifications, while the buildings, wells, hearths and terraces identify other features of the complex. This provides a view ranging from the size and fortifications of the oppidum to its different archaeological features.
Rozhledna Boika and visitor information
The Rozhledna Boika adds an observation tower with precise measurements to the cultural and historical attractions: it is 14.5 metres high, and the viewing platform is at a height of 11 metres. The tower is open year-round and free of charge. The Rozhledna Boika also has a covered seating area with a table and benches, which is wheelchair accessible.
Landscape, cycling and natural attractions
The settlements of the municipality of České Lhotice lie amid fields, forests and meadows in the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. Cycle route No. 4114 passes through České Lhotice, making it a useful reference for a cycling trip. The horse-riding facility in České Lhotice offers another way to get around: children and adults can go on rides through the centre of the Celtic settlement.
Vedralka, a district at an altitude of about 530 m, is known for swimming in a natural pond fed by streams from the surrounding forests. Hradišťský vodopád is on a tributary of the Chrudimka and is 3 m high. The waterside destinations are distinct: Vedralka is known for swimming in its natural pond, while the waterfall is a striking natural feature with a clearly stated height.
Celtic history in the wider area
The Keltská stezka Železnými horami (Celtic Trail through the Železné hory) passes through places of original Celtic settlement in the area around Hradiště and Nasavrky. It thus extends the Celtic theme beyond the single site of České Lhotice: while the oppidum focuses on the fortifications and archaeological finds of one specific complex, the themed trail passes through several places of original settlement. This offers a useful comparison between an in-depth look at one oppidum and a broader theme spanning the places mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Chrudim, Bestvina, Holetín, Úhřetice, Perálec, Prosetín, Vejvanovice, Bojanov
For the full travel overview: Okres Chrudim.
