Lubomia

The Lubomia hillfort consists of the remains of an early medieval stronghold of the Golęszyce tribe, in use in the 8th and 9th centuries. It lies on the edge of the Grabówka forest, between the villages of Lubomia and Syrynia in Wodzisław County. It is counted among the largest and best preserved hillforts in the Silesian Voivodeship, and its earthen fortifications can still be read clearly in the terrain.

What the hillfort looks like

The stronghold has three parts: the main part is surrounded by two rings of earthen ramparts with a diameter of up to about 150 metres. The ramparts were once reinforced with timber structures. Traces of two gates, eastern and western, protected by additional ramparts, can be seen. Between the rings runs a moat, in places up to 6 metres deep, and a second, shallower one surrounds the outer rampart. On the eastern side lies a large outer bailey with its own rampart and a single moat. The whole site covers about 5.3 hectares and stands in woodland.

What the stronghold was for

Lubomia was probably a centre of tribal power of the Golęszyce. Strong fortifications were built at the stronghold because it lay on the borderland between Upper Silesia and the Great Moravian state and guarded the route leading along the Oder valley through the Moravian Gate. The fortifications began to be built at the turn of the 8th and 9th centuries on the site of an unfortified 7th-century settlement. In the second half of the 9th century the stronghold was destroyed by fire. One hypothesis links it with the expedition of the Great Moravian prince Svatopluk in 874-885. The stronghold was not rebuilt.

What archaeologists found

The first excavations were carried out in 1933-1938, and further ones in 1966-1968. Houses, hearths, dugouts, pottery, tools, ornaments and weapon parts were uncovered, including fragments of chain mail. Among the finds are Avar and Great Moravian objects, which testify to contacts with the southern neighbours. Finds from the stronghold are kept by the museum in Wodzisław Śląski. In the area you can also see the lookout tower in Pogrzebień and the basilica in Pszów.

Practical information

• Location: edge of the Grabówka forest between Lubomia and Syrynia (Wodzisław County); no exact address is given, so it is best to head for the village of Lubomia and look for signs to the site
• The site is entered in the heritage register and legally protected, so do not take vehicles onto the ramparts or dig up the ground
• Wooded area, with no infrastructure described in the sources
• Check access and any restrictions with the municipal office before a visit