Tismice: Discover the Basilica and Hradiště

Tismice can best be explored through its architectural and settlement history: the Romanesque basilica and the early medieval hillfort represent two different cultural themes. There are also walking routes with specific journey times and a cycling route project in the surrounding area. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can weigh up whether architecture, archaeological history or exploring on foot is most important for your visit.

Romanesque Basilica and Architectural History

The basilica in Tismice is a three-aisled Romanesque basilica dating from the 12th century. The term “three-aisled” describes a layout divided into three longitudinal aisles and defines the building’s form more precisely. Its west façade has two towers; the south wall contains a Gothic side portal from the mid-15th century. The north tower houses the oldest surviving bell in the Kolín region, cast in 1442. Several historical features therefore come together at the basilica: its Romanesque form, a Gothic portal and a bell with a precisely documented casting year. These are distinct features of the building, not a single date of construction.

The basilica grounds also include a mortuary and numerous historic gravestones. Together with the features of the façade, portal and tower, they give a broader impression of this historic site.

The Early Medieval Hillfort

Tismice Hillfort offers a different way to explore the history of the area. It is one of the oldest early medieval hillforts in the wider region and played a central role in the 8th and 9th centuries. The largest concentration of Avar-type finds in Bohemia is also located near the hillfort. Its significance therefore extends beyond the locality: it is reflected both in the hillfort’s regional importance and in the concentration of finds across the wider area of Bohemia. Archaeological finds from the local Slavic hillfort are also held in the Tismice municipal library.

Walking Routes through the Valley and Surrounding Area

Tismice lies in the valley of the Bušinec stream. A green-marked walking trail leads from the centre of the village to the hillfort; the walk takes about five minutes. From the hillfort, you can enjoy a view of the basilica. Another route starts on the elevated plain near Nová Ves and leads into the valley of the Tismice stream. This walk takes about fifteen minutes. The times refer to different routes and starting points, so for orientation it is important to know whether you are walking from the village centre to the hillfort or from the plain near Nová Ves into the stream valley.

The municipality of Tismice has implemented the “REGIONEM S VĚTREM V ZÁDECH” project, which connects new cycling routes with existing routes. The new cycling routes follow lightly trafficked farm and public roads around Český Brod and Úvaly wherever possible. For planning, it is worth distinguishing between the connection to existing routes and the specific course of the route. As the exact route may change, check its current course before your bike ride.

Visiting in Person and Online

A virtual tour is available for the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tismice. It lets you explore the church digitally and consider whether a visit in person fits into your stay. The church, which is listed as a cultural monument, can be booked for a visit through the contacts provided. Arrange a visit through these contacts before you arrive, as booking arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Zásmuky, Toušice, Lipec, Vrbčany, Krakovany, Pňov-Předhradí, Přistoupim, Skvrňov

For the broader travel overview: Kolín District.