Hostomice Nad Bílinou lies at the transition between the Ore Mountains and Husův vrch. Its history stretches from the first written mention in 1225 to archaeological finds from the Late Bronze Age; later traces tell of industrialization and local community life. Landscape, archaeology and culture offer different perspectives on the same place. When choosing accommodation in Hostomice, they provide concrete points of interest beyond the landscape.
Hill, valley and landscape setting
Hostomice is considered a gateway to the Bohemian Central Highlands. Another clear landscape feature is Husův vrch: this Tertiary neovolcanic hill of olivine nephelinite and pyroclastics lies above the Bílina Valley. The names of the rocks give the hill a specific geological dimension; it is not just a place name, but also refers to its composition.
From the written record to the Bronze Age
The first written mention of Hostomice dates from 1225. At that time, the settlement was given to a convent of the Knights of the Cross. At the turn of the 20th century, a large settlement and a hoard from the Late Bronze Age were discovered. The year 1225 and the much older archaeological period thus stand side by side: the written history of the place begins with a medieval reference, while the hoard points to a much earlier human past.
The Bronze Age hoard included axes, a sword, arrowheads, bracelets, pins and decorated buttons. Another kind of past is revealed by fossil finds made during mining and brickmaking in Hostomice. These include massive mastodon tusks, elephants of the genus Dinotherium, and remains of monkeys and bats. The history of the place thus ranges from archaeological evidence of human settlement to paleontological remains.
Industrialization and local culture
Industrialization in Hostomice accelerated in the second half of the 19th century. Glassworks were built in the town during this period; coal was also mined in several open-pit mines in the surrounding area as industrial development progressed. In addition, a railway line connecting Bílina and Ústí nad Labem was built. These three developments represent different aspects of industrial change: production in Hostomice, resource extraction in the surrounding area, and a connection between two cities.
One building also links Hostomice’s history with theatrical life: “Bývalá sokolovna Hostomice nad Bílinou” opened in 1922 and was frequently used by the theater section of the local association, which had been founded in 1907. The building includes a hall with a gallery and a stage; these spaces give the theater’s history a tangible setting. The building is currently out of operation. If you are considering it as a possible place to visit, check access in advance and assess the condition of the building before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Muschelberg, Zabrušany, Újezdeček, Teplice-Šanov, Rtyně Nad Bílinou, Duchcov, Měrunice, Jeníkov.
For the broader travel overview: Teplice District.
