Žlunice draws attention to its architectural history and specific monuments: the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Baroque rectory, a Pietà and other places of remembrance reveal different aspects of the town. This cultural theme is complemented by the natural deciduous forests of Žlunické polesí, as well as by a cycle route and bus connections. For travel planning, these highlights can be considered separately: architectural periods and monuments offer cultural visitors specific points of interest, while the forest and transport each provide a distinct consideration when choosing where to stay.
Architectural History from the Middle Ages to the Baroque
The Church of St. Peter and Paul is a brick building that probably dates from the second quarter of the 14th century. This dating should be distinguished from the later extension: between 1701 and 1704, the church was extended to the west; a tower and a side chapel were also added. This makes it possible to distinguish its probable early construction date from a later building phase that is precisely dated. Its significance therefore rests both on the medieval-dated brick structure and on the clearly identified additions from the early 18th century.
The rectory also tells its own story of construction. The Baroque building was built by V. Jirsák between 1762 and 1765, based on earlier plans by V. Schneider. Its original room layout and original decorative stonework have been preserved, including entrance portals and window surrounds with sills. The rectory was declared a cultural monument in 2012. These details add specific design features and information about the preserved interior layout to the building’s history.
Monuments and Local History
Below the rectory stands a stone Pietà on a pedestal, acquired in 1749. At the junction of the roads to Sekeřice and Kozojídky, a stone statue of St. John of Nepomuk stands among lime trees. The two monuments are described by their different locations: the Pietà is below the rectory, while the statue stands among the lime trees at the road junction. On the west side of the former Švehlův dům, which now houses the municipal office, there is a monument to those who fell in the First World War.
Another historical trail leads to the painter Václav Špála. His birthplace was once a brickyard, leased by his father from the estate of the Czernin family of Dymokury. The history of the house thus connects Špála’s biographical link to it with its former use as a brickyard and the lease arrangement at the time.
Forest and Landscape
Natural deciduous forests have been preserved in Žlunické polesí, characterized by oak, hornbeam and lime trees. This adds a specific natural feature to Žlunice’s architectural and monument history. While the cultural themes are found in buildings, sculptures and a war memorial, Žlunické polesí focuses on a forest area and its characteristic tree species. When choosing the focus of your trip, you can therefore distinguish between local history and nature.
Cycling and Bus Connections
KČT Cycle Route No. 4288 between Roudnice and Rožďalovice passes through Žlunice. Check the local signs before setting out. For bus travel, IREDO line 154 or 610/590 connects Nový Bydžov, Smidary, Žlunice, Kozojedy and Kopidlno. As local transport information may change, it is advisable to check the latest departure times before travelling. The cycle route and bus lines offer different points of reference: the cycle route passes through Žlunice, while the bus service connects the places listed.
Discover more destinations: Dobrá Voda U Hořic, Střevač, Sobotka, Samšina, Zeleznice, Sběř, Dolní Lochov, Podhradí U Jičína.
For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.
