Ceramics are both part of Levín’s history and a possible focus for a visit: workshops can be visited on certain occasions or by prior arrangement by telephone, and the historic tradition is defined by specific motifs and materials. Other attractions include the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a bell tower with an observation platform, castle ruins and a hiking route to Sedlo. This gives you a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: crafts, architectural history or outdoor activity.

Ceramics: workshop visits and tradition

The individual ceramic workshops in Levín can be visited during fairs and events, or at any time by prior arrangement by telephone. If you have a specific workshop in mind, arrange your visit by phone in advance; alternatively, a fair or event may provide a suitable opportunity.

Hrnčírna No. 10 is the last surviving pottery workshop in Levín. On recurring open-workshop days, visitors can tour the workshop and its historic kiln and try their hand at the potter’s wheel. These opportunities to visit and take part are available during open-workshop events.

Levín may be the only place in the Czech Republic where ceramics have been made continuously for 600 years. The historic Levín ceramics of the 17th and 18th centuries featured floral motifs applied with white slip to reddish-brown clay shards and covered with a transparent lead glaze. The possible centuries-long continuity and the last surviving workshop, No. 10, describe different aspects of this tradition: a long history of production and a specific surviving site of craftsmanship.

Church, bell tower and castle

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Levín is listed as an immovable cultural monument. Built as a circular central-plan structure, it was founded in 1788, burned down three years later and was rebuilt in 1798. The church therefore brings together a distinctive ground plan and a history shaped by fire and reconstruction.

There is an observation platform inside the Levín bell tower. The tower’s ground floor was built in 1699 using masonry from the castle. The platform is a feature of the tower’s interior, while the reused castle masonry provides a material link to the castle’s history.

Near the summit of the rocky promontory, the remains of a defensive wall and the remains of an unidentified square structure survive from Levín Castle. Archaeological finds indicate that the castle existed in the second half of the 13th century; it may have fallen into ruin in the 14th century. This places its existence within a specific period, while the possible date of its demise remains uncertain.

Hiking and events

If you would like to plan a hike, you can choose a 9-kilometre route to Sedlo that can start directly in Levín. It follows the blue trail markers first, then the green ones. Before setting out, check the route, trail markings and conditions. The start point, destination and distance give the hike a clear place in your day’s plans.

Since 2021, Levíno, held in September, has been among the events in Levín. It is dedicated to regional winemakers and refreshments. As individual dates and vendors may change, check the details for your travel dates.

The Levíner Český jarmark combines ceramics with demonstrations of other crafts and a cultural programme. Levíno therefore focuses on winemakers and refreshments, while the Český jarmark brings together ceramics, craft demonstrations and a cultural programme.

You can choose what to focus on in Levín based on the themes you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Pohorice, Újezd, Černěves, Kundratice, Chotiněves, Brozany Nad Ohří, Vražkov, Radovesice

Go to the overview of the wider area: Okres Litoměřice.