Štoky offers several specific points of interest for a culture- and history-focused stay: a church documented in writing since 1372, a late Baroque castle and a monument to the Battle of Štoky. A cycling route through the town complements these historical themes with a clearly defined tour option. The dates relate to different building and commemorative histories and can usefully be considered separately when planning.
Cultural Monuments and Castle History
The Church of St James the Greater is a protected cultural monument. The Empire-style house at No. 61 in Štoky also has this status. Štoky Castle was built in 1760 in the late Baroque style by the estate owner, Karel Josef z Palmů. It also became the administrative centre of the former Střítež estate. The castle therefore brings together architectural context and former function: its style and year of construction point to when it was built, while its administrative role relates to the history of the estate.
The church, Empire-style house and castle each offer different clues to the history of the town. For the church, written records dating back to 1372 provide an early marker; for the castle, the focus is on its year of construction, late Baroque style and former administrative function. The protected Empire-style house at No. 61 adds another specific architectural monument to this selection. Those interested in cultural history can thus explore different kinds of historical evidence, rather than reducing the town’s history to a single building.
Dates on Columns and Statues
The stone Roland Column dates from around 1500. Another date relates to the Baroque statue of St John of Nepomuk: it dates from the first half of the 18th century, while the year 1803 is carved on its pedestal. These dates refer to different historical points: the statue is dated to the first half of the 18th century, while 1803 is the year visible on the pedestal. When comparing the monuments, it is therefore worth distinguishing between their date of creation and the inscription.
The Monument to the Battle of Štoky
The monument to the Battle of Štoky commemorates the fighting that took place there from 2 to 5 December 1805. It stands on Road No. 38 between Štoky and Antonínův Důl. The monument itself has a later date in its history: it was ceremonially unveiled on 1 July 2000. The days of fighting and the date of the unveiling therefore belong to two different chapters in the commemoration of the event.
Cycling Route and Original Educational Trail
For a cycling trip, the “Okruh kolem Jihlavy přes Polnou” route runs from Kamenná through Štoky to the Pod Serpentinkou trail junction. This section is just under 9 km long and follows the blue-marked trail. Route conditions and markings may change, so check both before setting off. The section therefore has a specific length and named endpoints, but this does not provide a basis for estimating journey time.
Another route-related point is the original educational trail from the cemetery, via Hanesův mlýn, to the outdoor swimming pool. It originally had eight stops; today, the information boards are damaged and only three stops remain. If you include the educational trail in your plans, bear in mind its condition and the number of stops that remain.
A Practical Note About Hanesův mlýn
Hanesův mlýn was already standing in 1756, adding another historical date to those associated with Štoky. There is also a specific rule to keep in mind when visiting: the restaurant at Penzion Hanesův mlýn is open only by prior arrangement. So arrange your restaurant visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Chotěboř, Ostrov, Podmoky, Česká Bělá, Stříbrné Hory, Hradec, Cibotín, Jedlá.
For the broader travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.
