Bílina Hillfort, Gord in Bílina, Czech Republic

Bílina Hillfort occupies a 7.25-hectare promontory at about 250 m above sea level, washed by the Lukovský potok and the Syčivka. Its most visible feature is the inner rampart: a 1.4 m stone wall fronting a timber-and-earth box structure, later widened to 14 m and then to 19 m in the 12th century, with two ditches in front.

Bílina Hillfort was founded in the last third of the 10th century as the centre of the Bílina province of the Přemyslid state. In 1040 its administrator Prkoš was charged with defending the northwest against the army of Henry III; after the incursion he was punished by having his limbs cut off and being drowned in the Bílina. In the first half of the 13th century the hillfort lost importance and was abandoned.

The site is accessible from the town center via marked trails, particularly from the street called Na Hradišti. Before visiting, check the Czech Monument Catalogue listing for current preservation status and visitor information.

Archaeological excavation of the inner bailey uncovered part of a burial ground about 40 by 40 metres, separated by a symbolic ditch. Only 192 graves have been examined, but the total is estimated at up to 800. The written records of Mstiš's manor and the church of St Peter have not been found.