Blatce offers two very different traces of architectural history: fragments of a demolished church and a decoratively crafted log house. Houska Castle is also within reach from Blatce. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing the historical details on site from a separate visit to the castle. Highlights range from masonry and carpentry to the chapel, exhibitions and seasonal events.

Church ruin and log house in Blatce

The ruin of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Blatce preserves fragments of the ashlar masonry of a church founded in 1600. After it was demolished in 1830, fragments were scattered around the area. Its history can thus be viewed as a sequence of foundation, demolition and scattered remains.

The longitudinally oriented log house in Blatce offers a different architectural detail. Its decorative carpentry is especially evident in the long porch and carved support structure. The house probably dates from the 19th century. At the church, the focus is on its history and masonry fragments; at the log house, attention turns to its design and craftsmanship.

Houska Castle: architectural history and exhibitions

Houska Castle, which is within reach from Blatce, offers a distinct cultural and historical focus. It is a Renaissance chateau with elements of a Gothic castle. The original Gothic castle chapel features wall paintings dating from the turn of the 14th century. The chateau designation describes the complex, while the dating of the wall paintings provides a specific detail about the chapel.

The exhibitions include permanent and seasonal displays. As the program may change, check which exhibitions will be on during your trip before visiting. Cultural events are also held, including fairs, fencers, dances, crafts, singing and music. These events are seasonal; if a particular date is important for your trip, check it in advance.

Dantovo Peklo is outside the main tour and is visited separately. Allow for it as a separate part of your visit. Check in advance whether seasonal access will be available during your trip.

Getting there and planning your visit

Two roads lead to Houska Castle: from Blatce or Tubož, and from Kruh. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting off. The castle is about 700 metres from the car park. From there, a comfortable ten-minute walk leads to the castle gate. When planning your time, allow for both the approximate distance from the car park and the walk that follows.

If you are looking for accommodation in Blatce, you can distinguish between the local buildings and a visit to nearby Houska Castle when planning your trip. Seasonal events and separate access to Dantovo Peklo make the time of year a useful factor; meanwhile, Blatce’s historical details and the castle’s architecture offer independent reasons to choose your destination.

Discover more destinations: Ralsko, Mimoň, Kamenický Šenov, Doksy, Arnultovice, Prachen, Pertoltice Pod Ralskem, Okrouhlá U Nového Boru.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.