The Venušiny misky lie about 1.5 kilometres east of Kobylá, on the 404-metre-high Smolný vrch. The granite formation makes a striking natural feature; Kobylá Castle, the castle park and St. Joachim’s Church offer a cultural and historical focus. For planning your visit, the main question is whether to give more time to rocky landscapes and woodland or to historic buildings. If you would like to combine both, you can also consider the “Žulovsko na kole” cycle route.
Granite and woodland on Smolný vrch
The Venušiny misky have been protected as a national natural monument since 9 December 1971. The formation is geomorphologically unique and characterised by the rounded jointing of the granite. Its weathering features include rock hollows, rock chairs, seats and niches. This makes it possible to explore the natural setting both through the formation as a whole and through the granite’s varied structures.
Mixed forest grows in the Venušiny misky protected area and on the summit, dominated by Scots pine and European beech. The tree cover adds another specific landscape feature to the geological formations. There is a viewpoint on the highest rock. Access has been secured with railings since the early 20th century, and several steps have been cut into the rock.
The “Žulovsko na kole” cycle tour follows cycle route No. 6047 past Smolný vrch and the Venušiny misky. If you plan to take this option, check the route conditions locally.
Castle, park and church
Kobylá Castle was built in 1570 and is protected as a cultural monument. Its façade dates from the Empire period; above the original Renaissance portal are four female figures carved from stone. The contrast between portal and façade makes it possible to trace different architectural periods in a single building. The castle park in Kobylá was laid out in the 1830s by Baron Karel Klet of Skal.
St. Joachim’s Church was built in 1787–1788 in the Classicist ecclesiastical style; its construction was financed by the Religious Fund of Emperor Joseph II. In October 1788, the episcopal commissioner Ignaz Kunzler consecrated the church. An altarpiece is attributed to the Baroque painter Ignác Raab.
Work on the church also uncovered an original painted illusionistic altar on the end wall of the presbytery, which was then exposed and restored. For those interested in culture, the castle and church offer different points of interest: at the castle, the Renaissance portal and Empire façade; at St. Joachim’s, the Classicist ecclesiastical architecture and the restored altar.
Plan your stay to suit
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide what you want your stay to focus on: the protected natural monument and woodland, or the castle, park and St. Joachim’s Church. The cycle tour adds another way to experience the landscape. Then compare the location of each accommodation option with the visits you are planning. This way, your search is guided by your itinerary, not just the place name.
Discover more destinations: Písečná, Mikulovice U Jeseníku, Česká Ves, Uhelná, Jesenik, Vlčice, Bílá Voda, Hradec-Nová Ves
For the broader travel overview: Okres Jeseník.
