Velichov Castle anchors Welchau’s local history in a specific place: it stands in the centre of the village, on the floodplain above the Petrovský potok and on the right bank of the Ohře. Architectural history, the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and several memorial sites represent different cultural themes; there are also two cycling routes, each with its own features.
Castle history and the village setting
Velichov Castle is a Gothic-Renaissance water castle that was converted into a late Baroque castle with a Neoclassical design. Its architectural history thus combines an older water-castle form with a later castle design: the first classification describes its original character, while the second describes its subsequent conversion. For those interested in culture, this is a striking change in architectural character in one place.
Church and memorial sites
The Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has two distinct historical reference points. The original parish church is documented in the parish chronicle in 1384; the Neo-Gothic church was built in 1895–1896 to plans by the architect Ludvík Lábler. Historically, it served as a spiritual and social centre for the residents of Velichov. The dates refer respectively to the chronicle record of the original parish church and the construction of the Neo-Gothic church. The church is being renovated; the outdoor areas are accessible. Before your visit, check the progress of the work and access to the outdoor areas.
A Renaissance epitaph for Josef Traugott z Mangoldu is a carved tombstone set into the cemetery wall in Velichov. The sandstone statue of Saint John of Nepomuk was erected in 1835 by Franz and Anna Pelikan, the then owners of the local estate. It is freely accessible; check access before your visit. The statue has been a protected monument since 3 May 1958. The war memorial in Velichov commemorates the victims of the First World War; it was probably made from a cemetery cross in the 1920s, and its creator is unknown.
Elevated sites and archaeological traces
The fortified high-altitude settlement site of Liščí vrch, also known as Thebisberg, lies on a summit plateau west of and above Velichov. It was established between the 13th and 9th centuries BC. The combination of fortifications, elevation and dating sets this archaeological site apart from the castle in the village centre. Another former castle site in Velichov lies on a promontory at the municipality’s southwestern edge, above the forestry administration building. Terrain remains have been preserved in an area covered by mature woodland.
Cycling as a second focus
Local cycling route 2198 Velichov–Ostrov–Ryžovna–Potůčky runs along the international Euregio Egrensis route. Another cycling stage passes through Velichov at kilometre 10.3 on the Karlovy Vary–Klášterec nad Ohří–Kadaň connection. The stage is 46 kilometres long and rated from moderate to moderately challenging. The two descriptions help with different decisions: the stage’s 46-kilometre distance and rating give an indication of its length and difficulty, while route 2198 is part of the Euregio Egrensis.
Discover more destinations: Karlovy Vary, Warta, Merkelsgrün, Boží Dar, Stiedra), Valč, Schaub, Nové Hamry
For the broader travel overview: Karlovy Vary Region.
