In Číhošť, you can explore the architectural history of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, places commemorating Josef Toufar, and specific destinations along local routes. This brings together a cultural focus with opportunities to follow a marked route or visit the geometric centre of the Czech Republic. When planning, the main things to bear in mind are that visits must be arranged in advance and that there are different route options.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: Architecture and History
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a single-nave Gothic building. The presbytery has a five-sided apse, while the sacristy is on the north side. The exterior façade is notable for its herringbone masonry. A single-nave church has one main nave; the presbytery is the area around the altar. This brings together a clearly described interior layout and a striking detail on the exterior façade.
The church is mentioned as early as 1350. Its architectural form and this early historical reference offer two different starting points for exploring the church building: you can focus both on its spatial design and on the long history of the place.
Josef Toufar and Places of Remembrance
During the Číhošť Miracle, on 11 December 1949, the cross on the tabernacle moved several times during a Mass sermon. This event is a historical reference point for commemorating Josef Toufar in Číhošť.
Josef Toufar’s grave is in front of the altar, beneath a stone slab in the floor on the church’s central axis. Another form of remembrance is the Josef Toufar exhibition in the Číhošť rectory, which opened on 11 December 2014. The Ecce Homo monument by sculptor Roman Podrázský was unveiled in Toufar’s memory on 22 September 1990. These places of remembrance differ: the grave is inside the church, the exhibition is in the rectory, and Ecce Homo is a monument. Together, they offer several concrete ways to explore the memory of Toufar in Číhošť.
Arrange Visits in Advance
The Josef Toufar exhibition and visits to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary are possible by prior arrangement, usually after a church service or at another agreed time. Arrange your visit in advance and check that it is possible before you travel, as access arrangements may change. The Hasičské muzeum SDH can be visited at any time by telephone arrangement. If you plan to visit several of these places, confirm the times before setting your schedule for the day.
Routes and Excursions
The blue-marked Cesta Josefa Toufara route runs between Leština and Smrčná, passing through Číhošť. Check the route and trail markings before setting out. Another destination is the geometric centre of the Czech Republic in Číhošť, which can be reached by bicycle, on foot or by motorcycle. These options offer different ways to plan your routes, without tying them to the same trail.
The 23rd stage of the Centrální stezka, between Ledeč nad Sázavou and Golčův Jeníkov, can also be done as a day trip. The start and finish are easy to reach by train; Číhošť is the stage’s main attraction. Check train timetables before travelling. The geometric centre of the Czech Republic is also in Číhošť, but can be reached independently of the stage itinerary by bicycle, on foot or by motorcycle.
Plan Your Stay and Accommodation
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Číhošť, first decide which visits and routes you want to shape your stay around. The church and exhibition require advance arrangements; visits to the Hasičské muzeum SDH must be arranged by phone. If you plan to do the 23rd stage, you will also need to consider train connections to the start and finish. This way, you can plan your accommodation search around the dates and destinations you actually want to include.
Discover more destinations: Knyk, Vilémov, Chřenovice, Slavětín, Bělá, Bojiště, Kojetín, Bačkov
For the broader travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.
