The Church of St. John of Nepomuk and the “Ke Svatému Janu” hiking route give Svatý Jan two clear focal points: architectural history and movement through several places. Together, they appeal to different travel interests without needing to form a single itinerary.

Hiking and hydropower

The 18 km route leads from Krásná Hora through Svatý Jan, Brzina, Kunclův mlýn, Drážkov and Hojšín. On the way to Svatý Jan, it crosses the Brzina stream via a footbridge. The distance and the crossing answer different questions: the kilometre count gives you an idea of the length of the tour, while the footbridge marks a specific point along the way. This helps you decide whether to plan a continuous hike or focus on individual cultural themes.

At Brzina, Kunclův mlýn has a waterwheel that powers a sawmill and generates electricity for the mill. Here, a technical system combines mechanical work with energy production. This use of hydropower adds a specific theme to the hiking route, distinct from church architecture and pilgrimage history.

Baroque church and architectural history

The Church of St. John of Nepomuk was built between 1760 and 1764 on the site of an earlier chapel. The church and the adjoining rectory are protected monuments. The spacious Baroque building has a unique mansard roof; its shape is reminiscent of a burning heart. The construction dates and the site of its predecessor give the building historical roots, while the roof shape and heart imagery add an unusual architectural feature. Mansard roof refers to a specific type of roof; the comparison to a burning heart makes its distinctive shape easy to picture.

Religious history and Jewish heritage

The pilgrimage spring above Jedlí and Skrýšov also tells of religious practice, though from an earlier period: processions and individual visitors came there to pray for good health. This historical use brought communal processions and personal prayer together. On the grounds of the Radobyl Jewish cemetery stands a building with a stone tahara slab for the ritual purification of the deceased. The connection between the building and the slab makes the ritual purpose tangible and broadens the perspective beyond church architecture.

Museum and gallery in Drážkov

The restored Špejchar in Drážkov serves as a gallery. The Váchův Špejchar Museum displays an exhibition there about the difficult lives of people in the Middle Vltava region. Alongside the restored building’s use, the history of the people of the region is also in focus. Individual visits and excursions for groups of four or more can be arranged by telephone. If you plan to visit the museum, confirm your preferred visit by phone.

Discover more destinations: Háje, Druhlice, Hreben, Březnice Castle, Lazsko, Počepice, Drevníky, Daleké Dušníky

For the broader travel overview: Příbram District.