The history of Libice nad Doubravou brings together a historic trade route and traces of construction and craftsmanship. The surrounding area also features a protected river landscape, paths through the valley and Mount Spálava. This offers visitors a range of interests for planning a trip: historic architectural styles and former production, as well as a nature reserve and rock formations. Pilnův statek offers guests an accommodation option when they want to hike or cycle in the area.
Historic Routes and Architectural History
The historic trade route Libická stezka passed through Libice nad Doubravou, connecting Bohemia with Moravia. In the Doubrava Valley area, it ran below the main ridge of the Železné hory. The route is a trace of the former connection between the two regions.
St. Giles Church is considered the oldest monument in the town; a wooden predecessor building probably stood here as early as the 10th century. The church has a Gothic nave. Its tower was built in the early 17th century in the High Baroque style, and the church contains a 14th-century baptismal font. These different periods give the building’s history several layers.
Libice nad Doubravou Chateau adds a different architectural history to this picture. It originally dates from the 18th century and is a Baroque chateau. In the 19th century, it was extended and remodeled in the Neo-Gothic style. The church’s building phases thus stand alongside a chateau whose architecture was altered later.
Antonín Pešout’s glassworks points to the area’s former production. It ceased operating in 1915. Only the residential building remains; the workshops are in ruins. The machinery was powered by a 16-horsepower water turbine. The glassworks’ history therefore includes both its technical equipment and the differing condition of the residential building and workshops.
Valley, Nature Reserve and Spálava
Near Libice is the 13.3679-hectare Svatomariánské údolí Nature Reserve. It is home to the Doubrava’s naturally preserved course and well-preserved ash-alder alluvial forests in the adjacent floodplain. The valley can be explored from Libice nad Doubravou via local roads and paths. The route passes former mills and a former glass-cutting workshop; however, no marked hiking trail runs through the valley itself.
Mount Spálava is in the area of the settlement of the same name, part of Libice nad Doubravou, and is the second-highest peak in the Železné hory. High rock formations known as Mrazové sruby are nearby. Alongside the river valley, a named peak and distinctive rock formations offer separate landscape highlights.
Where to Stay and Eat
Pilnův statek offers accommodation for visitors who want to hike or cycle in the area. The farmstead dates from the late 18th century and was reconstructed in 1869. It is owned by the municipality, which is working to preserve it as a typical farmhouse. If you are considering Pilnův statek, check availability and terms before booking.
Hostinec U Bambuchů offers Old Bohemian specialties and European cuisine alongside its regular menu. As menus can change, check the current selection in advance if you are interested.
Discover more destinations: Jitkov, Přibyslav, Oudolen, Vlkanov, Hostačov, Věž, Kojetín, Tis
For the broader travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.
