An octagonal pilgrimage church, a spring in a Marian chapel and a summit with protected beech forest define Skočice’s blend of cultural heritage and countryside. When choosing a destination, you can follow different interests: sacred architectural history, regional agriculture or nature around Hrad.
Pilgrimage and Marian Chapels
The Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (Navštívení Panny Marie) dates from the second half of the 17th century. Its central octagonal structure is surrounded by an ambulatory. The chapel was consecrated on 21 August 1678, and pilgrimages to Skočice have been recorded since that year. The Skočická pouť takes place regularly in early July.
Another Marian chapel preserves the Skočický spring: the Chapel of Our Lady of Help (Panny Marie Pomocné) is considered one of the municipality’s oldest monuments. Today, the spring is housed in a restored square chapel with a Marian image, a pump and an iron grille. The chapel is tucked away among houses behind the former Kampelička and can only be reached via a narrow alley. Check local access arrangements before visiting.
Architectural History and Local Monuments
The Skočická tvrz (fortified manor) brings together several phases of construction. In the second half of the 16th century, it was converted into a Renaissance residence. After a fire in 1672, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The surviving structure is a late Renaissance building with two wings, forming the southeastern corner of the farmyard.
The Chapel of St John of Nepomuk (sv. Jana Nepomuckého) stands in the cemetery wall beside the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (Navštívení Panny Marie). It was built in 1749–1750 and renovated in 2013. The Skočické hradiště (hillfort) has also been designated a cultural monument since 1963.
Hrad, Nature Reserve and Views
Hrad is a twin-peaked summit rising to 666.8 metres in the Netolická vrchovina highlands. A 29-hectare nature reserve lies near its summit, preserving a remnant of the original flower-rich beech forest. Check the exact boundaries of the protected area locally. From the Šumavská vyhlídka viewpoint, the views extend to Boubín, Bobík and Libín; vegetation may obstruct the view.
The annual calendar offers other occasions to visit: the Skočická pouť takes place in early July, while Skočice residents have organised an excursion to Hrad on St Stephen’s Day since 2005. If you would like to plan your trip around either date, check the specific event date.
Take Part in Grain Growing
The Muzeum obilnářství Skočice (Skočice Grain Museum) is housed in a former farm building at the entrance to the village. The exhibition traces grain growing from soil preparation and sowing through harvesting to processing. This presents agriculture as a connected process. Visitors can try out some traditional farming tools themselves—a hands-on experience that complements the exhibition.
Discover more destinations: Jinín, Droužetice, Mačkov, Radějovice, Předslavice, Čepřovice, Vodňanské Svobodné Hory, Kocelovice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.
