Archeopark Chotěbuz-Podobora

About the museum

Chotěbuz-Podobora is one of the most important prehistoric and early medieval monuments of Těšínské Slezsko (Cieszyn Silesia). Archaeological excavations uncovered remains of a bicultural settlement from the Late Bronze Age and the Hallstatt period, and later an early medieval Slavic fortification was built on the same site. On a river terrace above the Olše river stood an extensive three-part hillfort.

On this site the Muzeum Těšínska built the archaeopark, where replicas of early medieval buildings stand, made according to finds from Chotěbuz and surrounding hillforts: earth dwellings and sunken-floor dwellings, a log cabin, a hall building, a cult object and an iron-smelting furnace. A massive rampart surrounds the old acropolis, and a separate ceramics workshop with a potter’s wheel and a kiln serves school and public events. The modern entrance building with an interactive exhibition opened in 2015.

The archaeopark is a branch of the Muzeum Těšínska. It offers guided tours, educational programmes for schools and families, bicycle hire for the Toulky údolím Olše routes, and a range of seasonal events, for example International Archaeology Day.

Highlights

• Reconstructions of early medieval buildings based on archaeological finds
• Interactive exhibition in the entrance building
• Ceramics workshop with a potter’s wheel and a kiln
• Experience programmes for children – archery, grinding grain, writing in Glagolitic script
• Bicycle and e-bike hire for the routes along the Olše valley

Permanent exhibition

• Interaktivní expozice o Chotěbuzi – The exhibition in the entrance building tells the history of the site and of the archaeological research, and offers interactive elements.

Founded

2015

Operated by

Muzeum Těšínska, příspěvková organizace

Admission & discounts

Basic admission applies to the exhibition and the outdoor area. Holders of the Karta regionu Těšínské Slezsko receive a 50% discount on basic admission. Free admission for children under 6, members of AMG and ICOM, one teacher per 10 children, journalists and employees of the Moravian-Silesian Regional Office. Photography and filming without flash is free of charge; the audio guide is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The operator states that the site is step-free. Visitors are advised to wear footwear suitable for natural terrain and, in hot weather, a head covering.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can try replicas of objects, archery, searching for finds like archaeologists, grinding grain on a stone quern, braiding hair and writing in Glagolitic on wax tablets. The children are accompanied through the park by the mascots, the greyhound Kmínek and Slovan Chotěslav.

Getting there & parking

By car along road no. 67 from Karviná or from Český Těšín. With a park ticket you can hire a bicycle or e-bike for the Toulky údolím Olše routes (against a refundable deposit).

Amenities & dining

Dogs are not allowed on the grounds, and smoking is prohibited throughout the park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit