Baroque church architecture, Jewish heritage and castle history shape Batelov. A 31-kilometer cycling route also starts in the square; Koně Batelov offers horseback riding excursions and skijoring during the winter months. When planning your stay, you can choose from different interests: specific sites associated with architectural and local history, as well as activities where the route or season matters. You can make culture, exercise or a mix of both the focus of your stay.

Churches and Castle History

The Church of St. Peter and Paul provides a clear historical reference point: it is a Baroque church dating from 1755 to 1761, built in place of a Gothic church that was already mentioned in 1400. The dates mark two construction phases separated by several centuries. The Starý a Nový zámek complex is protected as an immovable cultural monument; its register number is ÚSKP 33201/7-4679. Batelov Castle is a two-story Renaissance building, surrounded by a park through which the Jihlava River flows. The old and new castles stand side by side in the town center. The church and castle history thus offer two distinct architectural perspectives on Batelov.

Jewish Heritage and Memorial Sites

The Jewish quarter lies on Třešťská Street, on the northeastern edge of the historic town center. It originally comprised 16 houses, including a school. The fact that the quarter originally included a school shows that its history extends beyond a single place of worship. The synagogue on Židovský plácek was built in 1794 in the Neoclassical style. A memorial to Holocaust victims was erected near the quarter in 1995. Another place of remembrance is the Jewish cemetery: hidden in a deciduous forest near the town, it lies on a hill west of Batelov. Its simple Baroque and Neoclassical tombstones recall the former Jewish presence; the oldest dates from 1715. This makes it possible to distinguish two different locations: the quarter on the northeastern edge of the historic center and the cemetery on the western hill.

Cycling Around Batelov

The “Na kole do Jihlavských vrchů” cycling route starts in Batelov’s square, is 31 kilometers long and has a difficulty rating of 2. Check the local signs before setting off. Another cycling route runs via Spělov to Batelov and highlights in the town center that the old and new castles stand side by side. The first route’s length and difficulty rating are key factors in choosing it, while the route via Spělov features the castle ensemble in the town center.

Horseback Riding and Seasonal Activities

Koně Batelov offers horseback riding excursions for all ages, either in an enclosure or in nature. This gives you a choice of two different settings; confirm the specific arrangements before your trip. Skijoring is offered during the winter months; confirm its seasonal availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Vílanec, Kaliště U Horních Dubenek, Dolni Smrcne, Věžnička, Kostelec, Hodice, Černíč, Dobronín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jihlava.