In Poschetzau (Božičany), historic buildings stand alongside traces of mining and cycling routes with different courses. The Chapel of St. Michael dates back to the Baroque period, while the monument by the Černý potok commemorates the victims of the First World War. Osmóza Park and two cycling routes add opportunities for a break or a ride to the cultural sites.
Chapel, Village History and Monument
The Chapel of St. Michael is a Baroque chapel dating from the second half of the 18th century. It was built with funds from the faithful and the church. On 29 October 1992, it was added to the state list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. Its construction and listing mark different stages in its history: the construction date places the chapel in its stylistic context, while its later inclusion marks its protected monument status.
The history of the village goes back further. Božičany was founded before 1359 as a forest-row village along a stream. This early settlement pattern is a distinct historical point of reference alongside the chapel and more recent memorial sites. The monument to the victims of the First World War was erected in 1933 to a design by Willy Heinz. It stands in the village square, in the centre of the village, on the left bank of the Černý potok. The village’s history before 1359, the Baroque period and a 20th-century monument can thus be viewed as distinct historical periods.
Architecture in the Village
Individual buildings also invite a closer look. Villa No. 66 is considered architecturally interesting, dates from the 19th or 20th century, and features Art Nouveau elements. There is also a building in courtyard No. 10 that is singled out as particularly interesting. These two buildings are notable for different reasons: Art Nouveau features are mentioned in connection with the villa, while the building in courtyard No. 10 is highlighted as worth seeing.
Osmóza Park and Traces of Mining
Osmóza Park lies beside a pond on the site of a former kaolin mine and is described as a natural oasis. By the water, the park offers a shady place to stop and rest. The former mining activity is therefore part of the landscape context of the park. Another visible reminder of the mining history is the small depression of the Sírius mine: it lies to the left of the road to Nová Role and can still be seen.
Cycling and an Event in May
Cyclists can choose between two routes with different characteristics. The 11 km Vintířov–Chodov–N. Role cycling route runs through the northern part of the Božičany cadastral area. The approximately 16.5 km “Klidný okruh podhůřím” circular cycling route runs between Nová Role, Božičany and Chodov, mostly along quiet roads and cycling paths. The distances refer to two routes described in different ways: for the shorter route, the course through the northern part of the cadastral area is specified; for the circular route, the connection between three places and the predominantly quiet nature of the route are described. Check local route conditions before setting off.
May may offer another reason to plan a visit: MO ČRS Božičany holds fishing competitions at the local ponds every year in May. If you would like to plan your trip around a competition, check the date for the relevant year in advance.
Discover more destinations: Münchhof, Dallwitz, Klein-Werscheditz, Töppeles, Neu Rohlau, Luditz, Warta, Welchau
For the broader travel overview: Karlovy Vary Region.
