The history of Knovíz spans several periods and forms of storytelling: the Bronze Age Knovíz culture stands alongside the Church of All Saints, whose history dates back to the 14th century. There is also a local legend and recurring events. “S čerty jsou žerty” is particularly vivid, combining a devilish setting with a fairy-tale world. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these themes: architectural history, local archaeology and event culture offer different reasons to explore Knovíz.

Church, legend and archaeological traces

The history of the Church of All Saints in Knovíz dates back to the 14th century. The church houses a working historic organ from the late 19th century, which is still used during services. Two periods therefore come together in one place: the medieval origins of the church’s history and a later instrument that continues to sound during services. If you would like to visit the church or hear the organ, check access arrangements locally in advance.

Husova kazatelna is a rock formation in Knovíz. According to local legend, Jan Hus used it on his journey to Constance to preach to the inhabitants. Knovíz thus links a specific rock formation with a local storytelling tradition—another way of exploring the area’s history, distinct from the dated history of the church.

The name Knovíz is also associated with a Bronze Age culture: the Knovíz culture emerged in the Late Bronze Age as a successor to the Tumulus culture. Its eponymous archaeological site in Knovíz is a Category I archaeological area. A Bronze Age archaeological settlement lies on the western edge of the municipality; it has no visible traces above ground. The settlement is therefore a historical reference point, but not a site identifiable by above-ground remains.

Events and historical timelines

The devilish event “S čerty jsou žerty” is held annually in Knovíz and attracts several thousand visitors. A devilish scene is created in a forest near a rock formation to provide the setting. Visitors pass through a devilish entrance gate into a fairy-tale world featuring devils and characters from the well-known fairy-tale film “S čerty nejsou žerty”. The fairy-tale theme shapes both the setting and the entrance to the event.

If this festival is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the date of that year’s event in advance. As an annual recurring event, it is a different reason to visit than the long-standing church and archaeology themes, and it may determine when you stay.

Another event in Knovíz’s history is the Knovíz–Olšany hill climb. The first race took place in 1924; by 1925, it had become a national event. After a long interruption, the tradition was revived in 1989. This timeline describes not a race held continuously, but an early start, a long hiatus and a later revival.

When planning a church visit, check access arrangements; for an event, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Libovice, Kvílice, Dřetovice, Šlapanice, Běleč na Křivoklátsku, Vraný, Jedomělice, Kutrovice.

For the broader travel overview: Kladno District.