A red-marked hiking trail runs through Ctiněves and over the summit of Říp. At the same time, below the mountain’s southeastern slopes, the Church of St. Matthew, the annual Posvícení festival and a local brewery offer further insights into the town. This brings together a clearly defined connection to hiking, local history, and local food and beer culture.
Hiking trail over Říp
The trail runs through Ctiněves and over the summit of Říp; the town is also situated below the mountain’s southeastern slopes. These details make both the town’s location and the route specific. For travelers who choose their destination based on a marked hike, the trail is a tangible point of reference.
Church and local history
The Church of St. Matthew is located in the geographical center of Ctiněves. The church dates from the 13th century, has Romanesque origins and has been remodeled several times. Its architectural history therefore spans several phases: the 13th century places the church in time, its Romanesque origins point to its earlier architectural history, and the later alterations are also part of its architectural profile. Historical gravestones have been preserved in the church. These include the gravestone of Albrecht ze Zap, made of red marble, which depicts a knight in a life-size relief. These details give those interested in architecture a historical timeframe as well as a specific example of tomb design.
The first written mention of Ctiněves dates from 1318. This should be distinguished from the local legend that Praotec Čech is said to be buried in the Church of St. Matthew. The year marks the town’s first written mention; the story about Praotec Čech remains a legend. Considering the two side by side reveals two different forms of local history: a dated reference and a local tradition.
Posvícení and local food culture
In Ctiněves, the annual Posvícení harvest festival takes place on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Matthew. If you would like to time your trip to coincide with it, check the exact date locally in advance. The rule indicates when the occasion takes place; for a specific travel year, an up-to-date date is essential.
Hostinec U praotce Čecha serves cold dishes and, to a limited extent, hot dishes as well. If you plan to eat there, check the current menu in advance. The Podřipský rodinný minipivovar brewery in Ctiněves brews top-fermented and bottom-fermented beers that are unfiltered and unpasteurized. The adjoining taproom can seat up to 60 people. The beers carry the “ČESKÉ STŘEDOHOŘÍ Regionální produkt” designation. For a group, the capacity figure is a useful guide; if you are counting on hot food, bear in mind that the selection at Hostinec is limited. If you plan to stop in, also check the availability of individual beers and the current operating arrangements.
Getting there
Ctiněves railway station is on line 095 between Vraňany and Zlonice. Check the current train timetable before traveling by rail.
Discover more destinations: Horní Beřkovice, Ploskovice, Chotiněves, Dlažkovice, Polepy, Kyškovice, Petrikovice, Kresin.
For the broader travel overview: Litoměřice District.
