Jívoví has been documented since 1287. The town’s history includes the changing ownership of the Žďár Monastery and the Chapel of St. Anne. In terms of natural history, the protected Šebeň Nature Monument, with its population of wood ants, takes centre stage; Holý vrch offers a different view of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Together, these themes range from historical context to practical information about the nature trail, views and cycling route.

History of the Town and the Chapel

From its founding until 1486, Jívoví belonged to the Žďár Monastery, except for the years 1422 to 1436. After 240 years, the town once again became the property of the Cistercian monastery of Žďár. This chronology combines an early period of ownership, interrupted by the specified years, with a later return. The first written mention of Jívoví dates to 1287, a historical reference point distinct from the changes in ownership. The years of exception matter because they define the period of ownership up to 1486.

The Chapel of St. Anne adds a later building history to the account of the town’s early ownership. Construction began in 1931; it was consecrated in 1934 on the feast day of St. Anne. Its furnishings were assembled through donations. The start of construction, the consecration and the furnishings therefore represent different aspects of the chapel’s history.

Šebeň: Forest and Nature Trail

Šebeň is a protected nature monument between Jívoví, Cyrilov and Dobrá Voda, on the boundary between the Borská pahorkatina and Velkomeziříčská pahorkatina uplands. The area includes an extensive forest complex and an exceptionally large population of the wood ant Formica polyctena. There are more than 1,100 nests of this species there; Šebeň is probably the largest known complex of its kind in Czechia. Its location, forest and ant population provide the nature monument’s specific geographical and natural-history reference points.

The Šebeň nature trail starts beyond Jívoví, near Křižanov, 600 m along the road in the direction of Radenice. The trail is 3 km long, takes about two hours and has 12 information boards. The approximate duration complements the trail length with a time estimate; the boards are another feature of the nature trail. If you are planning your stay around the time available, the duration is therefore just as relevant as the distance.

Holý vrch: Views and Route Guidance

Holý vrch is located in the cadastral area of Jívoví. From there, you can look out over the landscape of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. To the south, the view extends far beyond Velké Meziříčí; to the north, it reaches the hills beyond Nové Město na Moravě. The ascent is gradual and can be managed by small children and with a pushchair. The directions describe the panorama; the gradual ascent provides separate information about the terrain.

A regional cycling route from Radenice to Cyrilov follows a paved path near Holý vrch. For cycling plans, both the route’s endpoints and its surface are specified. Road access is also clear: a first-class road runs through Jívoví and connects to the D1 motorway.

Discover more destinations: Rožná, Petráveč, Skrdlovice, Dalečín, Borovnice, Velke Mezirici, Koroužné, Budeč

For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.