Kryry offers several distinct ways to explore the town’s history: the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary combines Gothic origins with later alterations, while the Schiller Lookout Tower represents a structure from the early 20th century. Nearby, Kryry Castle tells of medieval ownership, while the Stations of the Cross and a hiking event introduce different walking-related themes. You can therefore focus your interest on building phases, castle history or a specific trail or event.
Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: Building Phases and Architecture
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Kryry was originally a Gothic building dating from 1400 to 1418. It was given its present form in 1722, followed by further alterations in 1780 and during the 19th century. This means that several clearly identified building phases separate its origins from its later appearance, rather than there being just one moment of construction. The church stands on a slight rise below the castle hill and beside a disused cemetery. Its architectural features include a square west tower and a vaulted interior. The dates make it possible to distinguish the Gothic origins, later shaping and subsequent alterations.
Schiller Lookout Tower and Medieval Castle History
The Schiller Lookout Tower was built in 1905–1906 on the site of the former Kozihrady Castle. Its viewing platforms are 22 and 27 metres above ground, with five metres between them. This gives the tower a firm historical connection and two clearly distinct viewing levels. Seasonal access arrangements are also relevant to your visit: the tower is currently open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the spring, summer and autumn months. As access information is subject to municipal updates, please check the latest details before your visit.
Kryry Castle, also known as Kozí Hrady, has its own medieval history. From 1320 to 1348, it belonged to Albrecht of Kryry, from the House of the Lords of Rvenice. From 1374, it was an appendage of Petrohrad Castle, owned by the Lords of Janovice; it had fallen into ruin by the 15th century at the latest. This sequence traces a change in historical ownership and ends with the castle’s demise. For visitors interested in local history, this section offers a different historical perspective from the church and the lookout tower.
Stations of the Cross and Hiking Event
The Křížová cesta Kryry Stations of the Cross was established in 1764 and is approximately 840 metres long. Its length makes it a short route; the year it was established adds a historical dimension to the distance. Havraní stopa offers a different perspective on hiking activities: the 30th edition was a hike through the area around Kryry, along forest paths and past the Schiller Lookout Tower. On 25 April 2026, the town of Kryry and the Kryry Health Club organised the Havraní stopa hiking event. Registration began at 9:00 a.m. and the walk set off at 9:30 a.m.
Discover more destinations: Veltěže, Blšany, Holedeč, Koštice, Zálužice, Velemyšleves, Žiželice, Lenešice.
For the broader travel overview: Louny District.
