České Lhotice: Celtic Heritage and Nature

České Lhotice combines a Celtic oppidum with other attractions related to the landscape, views, and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to consider whether you would most like to explore archaeological history or focus on nature and activities. Specific points of interest include the České Lhotice archaeological site, Rozhledna Boika lookout tower, a cycle path, an equestrian center, and places to enjoy the water. The differences outlined below can help you choose the right focus for your stay.

The Celtic Oppidum

The Celtic oppidum was established in the 2nd to 1st century BC, northwest of today’s Hradiště district. It stood on a promontory high above a meander of the Chrudimka River. Both its location and fortifications shape the site’s historic character. The České Lhotice archaeological site is an archaeological monument reserve; the oppidum is the only Celtic oppidum in Eastern Bohemia.

The site covered about 20 hectares. Massive ramparts fortified it, with up to three lines of defenses on three sides. Here, the term oppidum refers to the Celtic settlement, whose size and fortifications give a sense of the scale of the site. Archaeological findings include residential and farm buildings, wells, hearths, and terraces. The site is accessed from the east, where fortifications with two ditches are visible.

Rozhledna Boika and the Landscape

Rozhledna Boika is another specific point of interest. The tower is 14.5 meters tall, and its viewing platform is 11 meters above the ground. The two figures refer to different measurements: the total height of the tower and the height of the platform. The observation tower is open year-round and free of charge. There is also a covered, wheelchair-accessible seating area with a table and benches.

The settlements of the municipality of České Lhotice lie amid fields, forests, and meadows in the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. Thus, alongside the area’s history, there is a landscape setting that encompasses both open spaces and woodland. Cycle route No. 4114 runs through the České Lhotice area. České Lhotice also has an equestrian center for children and adults that offers rides through the center of the Celtic settlement. The cycle route and horseback rides offer different ways to get around: the route passes through the area, while the rides specifically head to the center of the Celtic settlement.

Water Attractions in České Lhotice

The Vedralka district lies at an elevation of about 530 meters and is known for swimming in a natural pond. The pond is fed by streams from the surrounding forests. Vedralka is therefore defined by its approximate elevation and a body of water with a clear connection to the forest. Hradišťský vodopád is 3 meters high and lies on a tributary of the Chrudimka River. The two water attractions have different highlights: Vedralka centers on swimming in a natural pond, while the waterfall is characterized by its height and location on a tributary.

The Keltská stezka Železnými horami

The Keltská stezka Železnými horami also focuses on Celtic settlement. The route passes through places connected with the original Celtic settlement in the area around Hradiště and Nasavrky. Its scope therefore extends beyond the individual České Lhotice archaeological site, taking in several places linked to the original settlement. If you would like to explore the subject beyond the site of the oppidum, the route offers a different perspective: here, the specific settlement; there, Celtic settlement sites in the wider area.

Discover more destinations: Bousov, Svratouch, Tisovec, Třibřichy, Kočí, Bítovany, Licibořice, Lipovec

For the broader travel overview: Chrudim District.