Kostelecké Horky offers several clearly distinct themes: the remains of Těšnov’s fortifications, environmental education at Modrý dům, an exhibition on rural household management, and the history of a bell. You can shape your stay around your interests: archaeological features, environmental education and traditional crafts sit alongside objects from everyday life. These themes offer different ways to explore local history and rural life.
Těšnov: Location and fortifications
The Těšnov fortification, also known as “zpropadený zámek,” lies about 2 kilometres northwest of Kostelecké Horky. It is next to a path that runs through the forest between the ponds Malý Pobočník and Velký Pobočník. If you plan to include the local route in your itinerary, check it before travelling.
The earthwork has a raised circular inner area, a lower diameter of 44 metres and a 14-metre-wide water-filled moat. Its remains have long been part of the Kostelecké Horky area and predate the present-day municipality. The ponds and compass direction help locate the site, while the circular area and moat describe the earthwork’s layout.
Environmental education and activities at Modrý dům
A centre for environmental education has been established at Dům z modrého kamene in Kostelecké Horky. The stone barn at Modrý dům serves as an exhibition space for themed displays and various events. At Modrý dům, you can meet goats, chickens, sheep and guinea pigs up close; workshops on traditional craft techniques are also offered. Exhibitions and event programmes may change; animal activities and workshop dates may vary. Therefore, check the current programme and offerings before your trip.
Compared with Těšnov, Modrý dům shifts the focus from fortifications to environmental education, animals and traditional crafts. This gives you different themes to consider when planning: an archaeological point of interest and activities centred on the environment and crafts.
Rural life in the barn
A timber-clad barn with a cellar, dating from the late 18th century, stands right next to Modrý dům. Its ground floor and first floor are devoted to an exhibition on rural household management, featuring tools, equipment and everyday items. Visitor arrangements may change; check current visiting options in advance.
The barn offers a different perspective from Těšnov: there, the focus is on the form and age of a fortification; here, it is on household management and the things of everyday life. This makes it possible to distinguish an architectural theme from the depiction of rural work and daily life.
The bell of the horecké zvoničky
The history of the bell of the horecké zvoničky offers another distinct historical perspective. In 1917, it was hidden in a field to prevent its confiscation for military purposes; it was rung again on 2 November 1918. In chronological terms, this precisely dated event sits alongside the older Těšnov site: its remains predate the present-day municipality, while the bell’s history relates to the years 1917 and 1918.
Discover more destinations: Lhoty U Potštejna, Bohdašín, Sněžné, Kounov, Dobruska, Sedlonov, Osečnice, Solnice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.
