Tatobity lies at the foot of Kozákov, the highest mountain in Český ráj at 744 metres. The village brings together connections to nature and geology with sacred buildings and literary heritage. If you are looking for a destination where these themes come together, Tatobity offers several specific points of interest.
Landscape and Natural Heritage
Tatobity is also near the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area and within the Český ráj Geopark, which is included on the UNESCO list. The mountain, protected landscape area and geopark are distinct points of reference: Kozákov is a named mountain at the foot of which the village lies, the protected landscape area is nearby, and Tatobity is within the geopark.
One special natural feature is the Tatobitská tisíciletá lípa (Tatobity Millennial Lime Tree). Its estimated age is between 600 and 1,000 years. Its hollow, gnarled interior has room for more than ten people. The age estimate and the interior describe two different aspects of the tree: its long history and its distinctive form.
Awards are also part of its history. In 2015, the lime tree won the Czech Tree of the Year vote. In the European Tree of the Year contest, it came second with more than 43,000 votes. The results differ in scope, but both relate to the same tree.
Buildings, Literature and Local Tradition
The history of the sacred buildings can be traced through several dates. Tatobity had a predominantly wooden chapel from 1602. The Church of St. Lawrence was rebuilt from 1714 and completed in 1753. The rectory was added in 1884. Together, the chapel, church and rectory form a chronology stretching from the early 17th to the late 19th century.
Another connection to the village’s history is the wayside shrine dating from 1776. It inspired Jan Neruda to write “Balada horská” (“Mountain Ballad”). Alongside the history of the buildings, this provides a literary connection associated with one particular wayside shrine and a work by Neruda.
The statue of the Virgin Mary known as Matička stands in the upper part of Tatobity. It was created by the local sculptor Zeman. It is dated to 1820, though 1867 is also sometimes given. If you are interested in individual places of art and remembrance, this differing dating is another part of its history.
The midnight Mass is part of the local Christmas tradition. It is prepared by residents of the municipality and the surrounding area under the direction of Jaroslav Šťastný. Thus, alongside the historic buildings, this community-prepared tradition is another distinct cultural point of reference.
Geology and Choosing Your Trip
The Tatobity quarry is an ignimbrite quarry. There are no traffic restrictions on travelling there by car. This geological point of interest differs from the churches and places of remembrance: here, the focus is on the type of rock and access by car, while the others relate to architectural history, literature and local tradition.
If you are looking for a hotel in Tatobity, the themes that matter most to you can help you choose it as a destination: are nature and geology the deciding factors, or are you especially interested in the history of churches and literature? Tatobity brings these themes together, so consider which of them you would like to shape your trip most.
Discover more destinations: Loukov Nad Jizerou, Kruh, Roztoky U Jilemnice, Olešnice, Mirova Pod Kozakovem, Modřišice, Harrachsdorf, Štěpanická Lhota
For the broader travel overview: Okres Semily.
