Pilgrimage site Levý Hradec

Although more than a thousand years have passed since the first chapters of Czech history began to be written in Levý Hradec, you can still feel the magic of ancient times here. 

Levý Hradec looms over the left bank of the Vltava River as a silent witness to the times when the beginnings of Czech statehood were being formed. It is known primarily as the first historically documented seat of princes of Bohemia. The hillfort is mentioned in Cosmas’ Chronicle, which claims that Prince Neklan, one of the successors of the legendary Prince Přemysl, hid here during the war. Archaeological research proves that Prince Bořivoj I, the first Christian ruler from the Přemyslid dynasty, resided here. Around 883, Bořivoj contributed to the establishment of the oldest Christian church in Bohemia, dedicated to St. Clement. In its neo-Romanesque form from the 12th century, it still reminds us of old spiritual traditions.

• Interesting fact: Levý Hradec has been a stopover for pilgrims for many years; the tradition of their pilgrimage dates back to around 1870. The pilgrimages stopped during World War II, but were revived in the 1980s. Anyone can complete one as part of the “Pedestrian Stage Pilgrimage from Levý Hradec to Velehrad” or go on the regular St. Adalbert pilgrimage around 23 April. In September, pilgrims flow through Roztoky as part of the St. Ludmila pilgrimage. 

If you want to get to know the cradle of the history of the Czech nation in more depth, stop by Levý Hradec on a Saturday or Sunday from May to September. During that time, you can take an engaging guided tour. An 800 m long educational trail with eight stops will also take you through many interesting places. It will take you to explore, to archaeological gems and to a beautiful view of the Vltava River.

• Tip for you: You can approach the trip from Prague by train to the Roztoky u Prahy stop, from where a pleasant walking route leads to Levý Hradec. On the way, you will pass the château park, a villa district from the early 20th century and several pleasant cafés. Just before the finish line, you can have a snack at the Modrý korálek café, which, in addition to fragrant coffee, also offers the space of a large garden, perfect for quiet contemplation. 

What’s next?

You don’t have to travel long distances to other great travel destinations. The former Roztoky Château now houses the Central Bohemian Museum, which offers exhibitions, guided tours, Zdenka Braunová’s studio and a busy cultural calendar.  The local multimedia archaeological exhibition Archevita is definitely worth a visit, which will take you back to the period from the Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages. Nature lovers will appreciate a walk through the Tiché údolí (Silent Valley), a nature reserve that connects Roztoky with Únětice. And if you are not in a hurry to get home, you can refresh yourself in the renowned brewery Únětický pivovar.