Samšina brings together two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the church of St. Wenceslas and its architectural and artistic history, and the natural monument of Dubolka as a landscape highlight. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can weigh whether historical details or geological features matter more for your stay.

Church of St. Wenceslas and bell tower

The Church of St. Wenceslas and its bell tower are protected as a cultural monument under ÚSKP number 37589/6-1363. The church is a Gothic building dating from the mid-14th century. Between 1785 and 1787, it was remodelled in the Late Baroque style; the present western presbytery and the sacristy were added at that time. The building thus brings together medieval origins and later alterations.

The bell tower has a hexagonal plan and features Late Gothic forms and a timber frame construction. A coin of the Margraves of Meissen, Frederick II and William III, was cast into the bell. The two ruled jointly from 1442 to 1445—a period considerably earlier than the church’s Late Baroque remodelling.

Sculptures and local history

A valuable Late Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk stands in the village square in front of the church. Samšina is also home to a statue of the Virgin Mary, a valuable example of Baroque art in a rural setting. Both sculptures add the local Baroque art to the site’s architectural history.

On the outskirts of Samšina, a Baroque stone reconciliation cross commemorates a fatal historic accident involving a horse. In 1782, a statue of St. Vincent was erected at the grave commemorated by the cross. Local history extends beyond the religious buildings: the new school building in Samšina was completed in 1895.

Dubolka and the landscape

The natural monument of Dubolka is a neovolcanic hill with heat-loving flora. It comprises three hills that bear witness to the landscape’s ancient volcanic history. Its basalt peaks rise 20 to 30 metres above the surrounding terrain.

The natural monument can be reached from the road via a walkable tourist trail. Trail conditions may vary; check the conditions before your trip. This will help you adapt your visit to the conditions along the route.

Geographical setting and cycle route

Road I/16 runs through the southern part of the municipality of Samšina, outside the built-up area. The part of Samšina north of the road lies within the Český ráj UNESCO Global Geopark. Samšina is also close to the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area.

For cyclists, cycle route 4079 runs through Samšina between Příchvoj and Sobotka and forms part of the cycle network in Český ráj. Check the route and signage locally before setting off. This gives you both a cultural highlight and nature and cycling options to consider when planning your trip, without having to commit to a fixed day-by-day itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Třebnouševes, Dolní Lochov, Libošovice, Lazne Belohrad, Holín, Kacákova Lhota, Židovice, Milovice U Hořic.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Jičín.