Chotoviny offers several distinct themes for a culture-focused stay: a collection of historic vehicles, a Stations of the Cross trail in the forest, two churches, and the history of the castle and park. Visitors interested in technology will find a different focus at the JaneckĂ˝ Museum than those wishing to explore architectural history or religious sites. Walks and cycling tours in the countryside around Chotoviny are also among the options.
Vintage Cars and Museum Collection
The Janecký Museum displays around 80 exhibits, including historic vehicles and motorcycles. The collection may vary in size. For choosing the focus of your trip, the museum offers an alternative to the town’s architecture and park themes: vehicles take centre stage here, rather than the history of the churches or the castle.
The museum organises vintage car outings and offers vintage cars for hire, with or without a driver. If you are planning a trip or rental, it is best to check availability in advance.
Stations of the Cross and Churches
The Chotovinská Stations of the Cross trail is located in the forest near the Church of St Peter and Paul. It consists of 14 stone steles and culminates at its upper end in a chapel with a shallow niche. The chapel thus provides an architectural conclusion to the row of steles; both features shape the character of the Stations of the Cross trail.
The Church of St Peter and Paul was remodelled between 1781 and 1786; it was during this period that it received its tower. The Church of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church was completed in 1924. Their histories mark different periods: for St Peter and Paul, the focus is on the remodelling and addition of the tower in the late 18th century, while for the Hussite Church it is on its completion in the early 20th century.
The restoration history is also part of the Chotovinská Stations of the Cross trail: after decades of deterioration, it was restored as part of a project by students from the Pierre de Coubertin Grammar School in Tábor. The municipality provided financial support for the project. For travellers interested in the history of heritage preservation as well as the design, this is a distinct aspect of the site.
Castle History, Park and Countryside
Baron Nádherný gave Chotoviny Castle its neo-Romanesque appearance. He laid out the castle park in the first half of the 19th century; it covers 22.5 hectares. Because of its high dendrological value, it is classified as a Category I monument. The castle and park thus offer different points of interest: the castle for its architectural character, and the park for its history, size and dendrological significance.
Those wishing to focus their stay more on the countryside can plan walks and cycling tours in the surrounding area. The picturesque landscape around Chotoviny is suitable for both, offering a different focus from the museum, churches and castle history.
The Chotovinské slavnosti festival takes place in August. It is one of the most significant social and cultural events in Chotoviny; the exact dates vary. If you would like to combine your trip with the festivities, check the specific event dates before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Nadějkov, Myslkovice, Chotěmice, Pojbuky-Blatnice, Dlouha Lhota, Jedlany, Dudov, Skopytce.
See the regional travel overview: Okres Tábor.
