Štěpánov Castle, the protected slopes along the Cerhovka and the Mokřadlo Nature Reserve offer different focal points for a stay in Stepanov. The architectural history centres on the castle in the village; the landscape and nature reserve add a natural perspective on the region. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are mainly interested in historic buildings, protected landscapes or a hiking trail.

Štěpánov Castle and its Architectural History

The castle is located in the village of Štěpánov, part of the municipality of Bezděkov. The late Baroque building has two wings and one storey, as well as a small tower on a triangular ground plan. These features give the building a distinct architectural character: its style, number of wings, height and the tower’s ground plan each describe a different aspect of the structure.

The castle was built in the second half of the 18th century on the site of an earlier fortress. Its architectural history thus runs from the older fortification to the late Baroque castle. A further alteration is documented in 1858, when an additional storey was added to both wings of the western façade. The original construction and the later alteration can therefore be clearly distinguished.

A small 18th-century Chapel of the Virgin Mary stands beside the castle. The village’s architectural heritage also includes a small stone cross and a wayside niche chapel. These features complement the castle with smaller examples of local architectural and commemorative heritage. Those interested in local history can therefore look beyond the main building to the different forms of these smaller structures.

The Cerhovka Landscape and Nature in the Surroundings

The protected landscape areas are defined by specific features of the terrain. Part of the marl slope west of Štěpánov lies in Zone I of the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. By contrast, the wooded slopes above the Cerhovka west and east of the village, as well as extensions of forest areas reaching into the cadastral territory, lie in Zone II. The marl slope and wooded slopes thus represent distinct, precisely identifiable landscape features.

The Mokřadlo Nature Reserve is another natural attraction in the region. It is located near the municipalities of Bezděkov, Podmoklany and Sloupno, within the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. The reserve lies on the site of a former pond along the Cerhovka stream.

A yellow-marked hiking trail branches off by the castle. This provides a specific starting point for planning a walk connected to the village. As trail markings may change on site, it is advisable to check their current status before setting out.

Plan Events and Travel

The renovated castle can be used for celebrations, corporate events and other social functions. If you are planning an event there, check availability in advance. This allows you to include a possible event in your travel plans without assuming that a particular date is available.

Bus services to Štěpánov operated from Chotěboř and Ždírec nad Doubravou. As this information does not guarantee that services still run today, check current routes and timetables before travelling. The castle’s history, the landscape and travel options offer different ways to explore Stepanov as a destination and consider your own interests when choosing holiday accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Slavníč, Podmoky, Lípa, Jitkov, Boňkov, Vilémov, Chotěboř, Dolní Krupá near Havlíčkův Brod

For the wider travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.