Zvikovec is best explored through its architectural and ecclesiastical history. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (“Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie”) is considered the town’s most important architectural and cultural landmark. The Way of St. James and an equestrian route also pass through Zvikovec. One important point for planning your visit: the castle is currently abandoned and closed to the public.

Church, Pilgrimage Route and Monuments

The church was built in the mid-14th century and has been mentioned as a parish church with its own priest since 1350. Its original Gothic form was damaged by the Swedes; in the 17th century, the building was rebuilt in the Baroque style. A Baroque renovation followed in 1767. Its history thus brings together medieval origins, an early parish function and several datable phases of construction.

The Way of St. James also passes through Zvikovec. The church is highlighted as a special attraction along the route, linking the pilgrimage trail directly to the town’s most important landmark.

Near the church stands a Baroque stone statue of St. Francis Xavier, dating from 1733. It was reconstructed in 1854 and restored in 2004. Its history can therefore be traced through two later interventions in addition to its original date.

The Vicarage and Local History

West of the church stands the Baroque vicarage, which was originally a farmstead. When the independent parish was restored, František Kinský acquired the former farmstead in 1769 for parish purposes. The building’s former agricultural use is thus linked to its later ecclesiastical function.

Václav Krolmus lived in the Baroque vicarage from 1832 to 1843. He is regarded as a founder of Czech archaeology and a collector of folk traditions and customs. His time there adds a further, biographical dimension to the vicarage’s architectural history.

The Castle and Its History

Zvikovec Castle was built in 1735 on the site of an earlier fortress. Toward the end of the 18th century, it was extended and remodelled into its present form: a two-storey building with two wings forming an obtuse angle. Its current status is important when planning a visit: the castle is currently abandoned and closed to the public.

Equestrian Route and Regional Connections

An equestrian route in the Central Bohemian Region passes through Zvikovec. It starts on the green route in Křivoklát and ends at the mouth of the Javornice stream, where it joins a red route. Via this route, riders can connect to equestrian trails in the Plzeň Region at Bílov. The Way of St. James is associated with the church as an attraction; the equestrian route is situated in the region through its named connections.

At the U Varských restaurant and campsite, horses can be tied up on a grassy area by the car park. This is a specific service connected with the equestrian route, separate from the town’s historic attractions.

The bridge over the Berounka is also part of the region’s infrastructure history. It was ceremonially opened in 1930 and connects the Rakovník District, the northern Plzeň area and the Rokycany District.

Discover more destinations: Ejpovice, Hůrky, Těně, Mlečice, Chomle, Skořice, Cheznovice, Sirá.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rokycany.