The Chapel of the Name of the Virgin Mary is the most significant building in Brtnička. The Neo-Gothic structure was built around 1933; an iron cross stands at the entrance. Before the present-day chapel, there was the former Chapel of the Most Holy Redeemer, built in 1790.
Two chapels, two periods of construction
The names help distinguish the two buildings: Jména Panny Marie refers to the present-day chapel, and Allerheiligsten Erlösers to the former one. “Neo-Gothic” describes the later adoption of Gothic architectural forms; it does not mean that the chapel was built in the Middle Ages. The local history thus spans two different periods of construction: 1790 for the former chapel and around 1933 for the present-day building.
Nature and hiking trails in the surrounding area
In the wider region around Brtnička lies the Údolí Brtnice Nature Reserve, which follows the Brtnička stream and includes the ruins of a Gothic castle. The stream and the castle ruins are therefore found within a named protected area. The chapel’s history belongs to the village itself, while the nature reserve has a regional connection.
The Brtnická stezka offers a route with several named stops: it starts at the Rokštejn castle ruins, passes Výrova skála and the Šamonín pond, and continues through Brtnice. On a walk through Brtnice, it leads to the Chapel of Panny Marie Pomocné, Hoffmannův dům, Valdštejnův dům, the monastery, the church and monastery garden, Brtnice Castle, and Židovský most. The route described continues from the castle, rock and pond to the cultural sites in Brtnice.
The name Brtnička is also used for a stream: a hiking route around Brtnice leads into the valley of the Karlínský potok, which is also called Brtnička. For clarity about the location, the full name is useful: this route follows the valley of the Karlínský potok.
Another hiking destination in the surrounding region is Velký Špičák, a wooded hill northeast of Třešť. Marked trails lead to it from several directions. The options differ in what they focus on: the Brtnická stezka follows a succession of named natural and cultural sites, while Velký Špičák is centred on a single wooded hill.
Motorsport and a dated hiking event
Successful motorcycle racer Roman Novotný most often trains on a motorcycle circuit in Brtnička. The Silvestrovský výšlap Aleje 2024 was the tenth official edition of a hiking event held on the last day of the year. The group set off together on 31 December 2024 at 10:45 a.m. from the municipal office in Brtnička. This time and meeting point apply to the 2024 edition. Check current dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Mrákotín U Telče, Kalhov, Klatovec, Kamenná and Jihlavy, Pavlov, Kněžice, Milíčov, Vysoké Studnice.
For the overview of the wider region: Jihlava District.
