St. Andrew’s Church stands alone with its cemetery on a hill above the Vrchlice stream on the edge of Chlístovice. The ruins of Sion Castle offer another perspective on historic fortifications; the “Cestou husitských hejtmanů” educational trail explores the history of Hussite military commanders in a natural setting along the Vrchlice. The themes are distinct: a striking church location, a two-part castle complex and a historic trail through the landscape.

Sion: Castle Complex and the History of the Estate

The ruins of Sion Castle feature a two-part layout. The outer bailey was fortified with massive ditches and ramparts. One of the most significant features is an artillery bastion about 3 m high, described as the oldest known artillery bastion in Europe. Sion can therefore be considered both in terms of the layout of the complex and through one striking defensive feature.

Historically, Sion was Roháč’s residence and the administrative centre of an estate that included Chlístovice, Chroustkov, Všesoky, Miletice and Újezd. The architectural details and this administrative role raise different questions: how was the castle laid out, and what role did Sion play in the estate? Its history encompasses both the fortifications and the administration of the area.

St. Andrew’s Church: Building History and Remembrance

The surviving St. Andrew’s Church probably has a Late Gothic core. Its position on the hill above the Vrchlice is part of its distinctive character, as is the cemetery with which it stands alone on the edge of Chlístovice. The church houses a historic bell from 1509, made by Kutná Hora bell founder Ondřej Ptáček, and a new bell cast in 2023. The new bell was created in memory of Josef Strnad, who was from Chlístovice and was executed by the Nazis in 1943. The bells thus connect different historical references: bell founding in the early 16th century and the commemoration of someone from the village.

The church is not permanently open for individual visits. If you are planning a visit, contact the information centre at St. Barbara’s Church. Check this information again before travelling.

The Educational Trail Along the Vrchlice

The “Cestou husitských hejtmanů” educational trail follows the history of Hussite military commanders. It runs through a natural setting along the Vrchlice stream. Its facilities include fifteen information panels and five rest stops. The trail thus combines a clearly defined historical focus with information along the way and designated places to rest. Unlike the castle complex, where the layout and fortifications are central, here the historical theme is explored through an educational trail.

Which Focus Suits Your Interests?

The three themes differ mainly in how history is presented. At Sion, the focus is on the complex, ditches, ramparts and artillery bastion; at St. Andrew’s, it is on the probable Late Gothic core and the commemoration of Josef Strnad. The educational trail brings the Hussite military commanders into a natural setting along the Vrchlice. If you choose a focus before your trip, you can direct your attention accordingly: to military architecture, church building and memorial history, or a themed trail through the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Horky, Souňov, Hlízov, Křesetice, Uhlírské Janovice, Církvice, Opatovice I, Žáky

For the higher-level travel overview: Kutná Hora District.