Staré Hobzí brings together a layered architectural history and connections to the Dyje. Local highlights range from religious architecture and castle history to milling technology and art by the river.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is on the eastern edge of Staré Hobzí, on the road to Jemnice. It preserves architectural elements from the Early Gothic, High Gothic, Late Gothic, Early Baroque and Neoclassical periods. The church also documents the development of ecclesiastical architecture in the region from the 13th to the 18th century. This range of periods is key to understanding the building: it represents not just one style, but a development spanning several centuries. Beside the church stands a statue of Saint Margaret, an independent focal point alongside the layered architecture.
Castle and Chapel
The castle in Staré Hobzí stands on the site of a former fortress. The castle complex includes the Baroque Chapel of Saint Thomas; a statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary stands below the castle. The chapel’s stylistic difference is useful for comparison with the church: it is Baroque, while the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary preserves architectural elements from several periods. In this way, the religious buildings and the castle offer different starting points for exploring the village’s architectural history.
Loucký Mill and Water Management
Loucký Mill lies on the left bank of the Dyje, on the road from Staré Hobzí to Slavonice and northwest of the river bridge. It includes a stone millrace and a weir on the Dyje. The weir diverts water into the channel, which carries it to the mill building and then back into the riverbed. The mill therefore comprises not only the building, but also the water’s route and the structural connection between the weir and the channel. Those interested in historic water technology can explore the relationship between the river, the mill and water management as a distinct highlight here.
Art by the River
The Kameny přání (Wishing Stones) are west of Staré Hobzí on the bank of the Dyje and form part of Kristkova podyjská glyptotéka. Lubo Kristek’s sculpture is made up of seven erratic boulders. As a work of art, it differs from the churches and castle: the focus is a sculpture made from several boulders, not a sequence of architectural elements from different periods. Its location also provides a distinct focal point: the church is on the eastern edge of Staré Hobzí, while the Kameny přání are west of the village, on the riverbank.
On Foot or by Bike
The Vydří stezka runs along the Dyje between Dačice and Staré Hobzí. Guided walks are offered along the trail. If you plan to take one, check the current dates before travelling, as availability may change. On a cycling trip between Dačice and Staré Hobzí, you can discover historic watermills along the Moravská Dyje, including Loucký Mill. The options therefore differ in activity and focus: guided walks on the Vydří stezka or mills along the Moravská Dyje explored by bike.
Discover more destinations: Třeboň, Domanín u Třeboně, Staňkov u Třeboně, Újezdec u Kardašovy Řečice, Jindřichův Hradec, Řečice, Ponědrážka, Ratiboř u Jindřichova Hradce
For the full travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.
