Tuhošť, Iron Age hillfort in Smolov, Czech Republic

Tuhošť is an early medieval hillfort on a flat promontory above the Smolovský stream valley, north of Smolov. Its 1.83-hectare circuit was enclosed by a timber-and-stone rampart, preserved as an earthwork up to seven metres high on the east, with a ditch in front and a gap in the west marking the probable gate.

Tuhošť is linked to the name recorded in a 1086 charter of Henry IV defining the Prague diocese's borders. It was the administrative centre of the region and probably replaced an older hillfort about 700 m northeast near Bořice. A 1959 excavation by Rudolf Turek uncovered a rampart; finds date its origin to the second half of the 10th century. It may have burned in the 11th century but surface collections suggest it lasted into the 12th; Prince Břetislav I possibly used it as a base during the Battle of Brůdek.

The name Tuhošť appears in a 1086 charter of Henry IV defining the boundaries of the Prague diocese, and the site was the administrative centre of the surrounding region. It probably replaced an older hillfort standing about 700 metres to the northeast near Bořice. A small excavation in 1959, led by Rudolf Turek, uncovered the remains of the rampart on the northeastern edge.

The site is reachable from Smolov village by walking trails and is best visited during warmer months. Sturdy footwear is advisable due to the uneven terrain and slopes of the hilltop location.

The rampart on the east side still stands up to seven metres high, while on the south it was levelled by ploughing. The presumed gate site lies in the middle of the west side, where the rampart is interrupted. The fort covered 1.83 hectares on a promontory above the Smolovský stream valley.