Litoradlice, Hillfort and cultural monument in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Litoradlice is a prehistoric and early medieval hillfort on a triangular promontory between the Vltava and Hradní stream, covering 2.8 hectares. Its southwest access is blocked by a double rampart; the inner rampart is 5–18 m wide at the base and 5–6 m high. Steep, partly rocky cliffs protect the southeast side above the Vltava, today the Hněvkovice reservoir.
Excavations reveal occupation layers spanning from the Bronze Age through the medieval period, showing continuous settlement use across several centuries. This long timeline demonstrates how the site remained important for protection and control of trade routes throughout these eras.
The name Hradiště Na hradu, used alongside Litoradlice, simply means "fortress at the castle." The site lies on a triangular promontory above the left bank of the Vltava, and a small outer bailey on the east side guarded the approach from a ford across the river. A decorated spindle whorl from the Hallstatt to La Tène period was found on the northeastern bailey.
The site is accessible on most days and allows free exploration of the fortification remains without major restrictions. Visitors should wear proper footwear since the elevated terrain is uneven and can be slippery when wet.
The site was uncovered through excavation in distinct archaeological phases, with each layer revealing completely different settlement patterns and building styles. This layering of successive cultures makes it a rare window into the region's shifting history across multiple millennia.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,134 contributors worldwide.