Životice u Nového Jičína combines a local history dating back to the Middle Ages with the landscape of the Pobeskydí Nature Park and the Jičínka Valley. This offers several focal points for planning a stay: church history, easy walks and a named cycling route. This makes it possible to experience local history and time outdoors as distinct aspects of a stay.
Church History and Local Finds
The first written mention of Životice u Nového Jičína dates from 1399. The original wooden Church of St. John dated from 1451 and burned down completely in 1898. The masonry Church of St. John the Baptist was built in Životice in 1902. Four years separate the fire and the new construction; this chronology distinguishes the loss of the older wooden building from the later masonry church.
A wooden altar from the church is dated to 1482; it is now housed at the Moravian Gallery in Brno. Excavations in Životice also uncovered 92 Hungarian gold ducats from the 15th and 16th centuries in 1898. The two historical finds have different connections to the area: the altar is now in Brno, while the ducats were found in Životice. Together with the construction dates, they offer a glimpse into different traces of local history.
Exploring the Nature Park and Valley
Životice lies within the Pobeskydí Nature Park in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The Jičínka flows through the Životice Valley, and the landscape around the village is suitable for easy walks. These details complement each other: the nature park describes the regional setting, while the Jičínka is a river in the local valley. For travelers who want to combine nature and cultural history in one stay, the landscape is a distinct focal point alongside church history.
Walking and Cycling
The “Koleje” cycle path is a named option for a cycling trip. On the route from Nový Jičín to Hostašovice, the path passes through Životice u Nového Jičína at kilometer 1.7. It is easy, has only gentle climbs and is also suitable for families with children. The choice between walking and cycling can be guided by the specific route and its gentle climbs on the one hand, and the opportunity to walk in the landscape on the other.
Accommodation and Community Traditions
The restored parish building near the church offers accommodation for 33 guests. If you are considering this option for your overnight stay, check availability before your trip.
Community celebrations are also part of the village’s history. A community newsletter from 2017 reports that the community day, “Den obce,” was regularly celebrated in August. On June 4, 2017, the traditional Children’s Day featured a fairy-tale meadow with entertaining activities for children of different ages. These recorded examples show both a community celebration held regularly in August and a children’s program on a specifically dated day.
Discover more destinations: Velké Albrechtice, Bartošovice, Jakubčovice Nad Odrou, Bravantice, Lichnov U Nového Jicína, Ženklava, Závišice, Fulnek
For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Nový Jičín.
