Discover Horčápsko through its historic route traces: sunken lanes have been preserved around the 538-metre-high Vinice, and a historic branch route continued on to Březnice. A plague column, the town’s early history and a stop on the pilgrimage route to Svatá Hora add to the picture of the surrounding area. For planning your trip, the distinction between the local route traces and the cultural sites in Březnice is especially interesting.

Early history

Horčápsko’s origins date back to before 1300. In the earliest Latin documents, the place was called “Hořečapsko”. In 1313, King John of Luxembourg gave Horčápsko to the monastery in Ostrov. A mill in the area was first mentioned in writing in 1543.

Route traces and roads

A historic branch route ran east of Horčápský rybník, across the eastern slope of the 538-metre-high Vinice and on to Březnice. A plague column stands beside this historic route. Around Vinice, preserved sunken lanes bear witness to a historic network of routes. Sunken lanes are old routes cut into the terrain; their preserved courses illustrate how routes were used in the past.

Another historic branch route led from Horčápsko via Hráze, a newer settlement that developed on an embankment between two ponds. Several sunken lanes have been preserved alongside the present-day road along the historic route from Horčápsko to Hráze. The road from Hrádek via Horčápsko to Tochovice was built in 1928. Construction of the road from Horčápsko to Hráze began in 1932; a cherry tree avenue was planted along this road in 1934. This makes it possible to distinguish the historic route traces from the later history of the roads and avenues.

Březnice and its cultural history

Březnice Castle is nearby, about three kilometres from Horčápsko. A Gothic fortress was transformed into a Renaissance chateau with an English-style park. The Březnice synagogue offers another glimpse of historic building phases: the original synagogue was built between 1726 and 1728, and it acquired its present appearance in 1874. At the castle, the focus is on the transformation from a Gothic fortress into a Renaissance complex; at the synagogue, the original construction can be distinguished chronologically from its later appearance.

The fourth stop on the pilgrimage route from Březnice to the pilgrimage site of Svatá Hora lies within Horčápsko’s cadastral area, in front of Višňovka Hill. This means that a section of this pilgrimage route is also part of the area’s historic surroundings.

Connections and practical planning

Horčápsko is connected to Příbram and Březnice by bus and rail. Check the timetables for your travel date before deciding how to get there. A blue hiking trail passes through important sights and interesting places in the area; check its markings on site. In Březnice, there is also a two-kilometre circular route that can be walked with a pushchair. As route details can change, check the current route before your visit.

Horčápsko Cultural Centre rents out a large hall for bigger events, with a capacity of about 80 people. A café is also available to rent for smaller gatherings and receptions, with a capacity of 20 people. As rental terms can change, ask about the current conditions if you are interested.

Discover more destinations: Láz, Obořiště, Vrančice, Nestrašovice, Dubenec, Nechvalice, Příčovy, Drevníky

For the broader travel overview: Příbram District.