Sedliště – History, Bronze Age and Landscape

Sedliště offers several themes that you can organize according to your interests when planning a stay: the Sedliště/Hřmenín hillfort, the history of the Starohradské estate, two mills, and the Obora u Sedliště and the valley of the Bukovina stream. The historical references range from the Late or Final Bronze Age to renovations in the 16th century. This allows you to distinguish between archaeological, architectural-history and landscape highlights.

Estate History and Building Phases

Sedliště belonged to the Starohradské estate. Its center was the Stará fortress, one kilometer away. During the reign of Charles IV, it was converted into a Gothic castle; around 1573, it was converted into a Renaissance château. This sequence shows two building phases at the same fortress: first the Gothic transformation, followed later by the Renaissance conversion.

Bronze Age Hillfort

A much older historical trace is the surviving Sedliště/Hřmenín hillfort. It lies about 200 m to the north, in the direction of the municipality of Hřmenín, and is attributed to the Urnfield culture of the Late or Final Bronze Age.

The two historical points of reference also differ in location: the Stará fortress is one kilometer away, while the hillfort is about 200 m to the north, in the direction of Hřmenín. Together with their different dates, this makes it possible to distinguish the history of the estate from the Bronze Age site.

Mills near Sedliště

The Sedlišťský dolní mlýn is a mill with a sawmill. Its origins are thought to date to the 16th century; it was renovated in 1933, and parts of its equipment have been preserved. The dating of its origins is only a supposition, while 1933 marks the renovation. Janďourkův mlýn is located on the Libáňský stream near Sedliště. Access requires a prior arrangement; check locally whether a visit is currently possible.

The two mills differ in the features described: the Sedlišťský dolní mlýn is notable for its sawmill, renovation and partially preserved equipment. For Janďourkův mlýn, its location on the Libáňský stream and the need to arrange access in advance are important.

The historical periods range from the Urnfield culture of the Late or Final Bronze Age, through the transformation of the Stará fortress under Charles IV, to the Renaissance conversion around 1573. By contrast, the 16th-century origins of the Sedlišťský dolní mlýn are only supposed; its renovation in 1933 refers to a different event.

Hiking Trail and Landscape

Sedliště can be reached via the red-marked hiking trail from Libáň and Staré Hrady toward Nadslav. The route description was last updated in 2014; check the trail markings and access before setting out.

The Obora u Sedliště lies between Sedliště, Staré Hrady and Libáň. The valley of the Bukovina stream is located between Zelenecká Lhota and Sedliště. The place names associate the Obora with three places and the valley with two, keeping the two landscape references clearly distinct.

Discover more destinations: Ostružno, Záhuby, Samšina, Slavhostice, Prachov, Horní Nová Ves, Třebnouševes, Kněžnice

For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.