<p>On the site of the former Vlněna textile factory in Brno, the Celts lived.</p>

Brno - Traces of Celtic settlement are currently probably the most interesting find for archaeologists at the site of the former Vlněna factory in the center of Brno. However, the research of the extensive area is still in its early stages; excavations will continue at least into January and February, said archaeologist Ivan Čižmář to ČTK.

Archaeologists are gradually reaching older and older layers at the site. They must first remove sediment from the landscape. They have thus collected pottery samples from the 15th century to modern times. Below them are cultural layers from the La Tène period, when the Celts inhabited the area of what is now Brno. According to Čižmář, this period spans from 150 to 50 BC.

"We are conducting the research in a probing manner, we do not have it over the entire area. More attractive finds should hopefully increase," Čižmář stated. According to him, the research is still in its early stages. Experts have also uncovered a well, which is likely related to the construction of the textile factory in the 18th or 19th century.

The area of the former Vlněna is owned by the developer CTP. This summer, they began demolishing most of the buildings. Instead, they will construct a modern complex of administrative buildings. The work is expected to last ten to twelve years, and the office buildings will be built according to market demand.

The complex was developed gradually. It originally consisted of several smaller textile enterprises that merged into one complex known as Vlněna. It occupies an area between Dornych, Přízova, and Mlýnská streets, with the Ponávka stream flowing through the area. Eventually, all buildings will be demolished except for the Bochner Palace and one other. Until 1941, the factory belonged to the Jewish Stiassni family. After the war, the enterprise operated in a nationalized industry, and production ceased in 1997, since when the area has fallen into disrepair.