Discover Žirov through two particularly clear themes: its pond landscape and traces of historic mills. There are also a chapel, local history and several cycling routes with different ways to explore. For planning your trip, a simple question can help: would you like to get to know the place mainly through its bodies of water and architectural history, or include Žirov as a way point on a cycling tour?

Ponds and waterways

The Kladiny pond complex lies below Žirov and comprises two bodies of water with historically documented dates: Dolní Kladina was created in 1545, and Horní Kladina in 1559. These dates place their origins in the 16th century; the names distinguish one pond from the other. The Kladinský potok is fed by the Kladiny ponds, adding a specific watercourse to the history of the ponds. The landscape around Žirov has been revitalized in particular by the restoration of ponds since around 2010. The history of individual bodies of water therefore sits alongside a more recent development in the pond landscape.

Mill history across different periods

The names of the mills reflect different uses and periods. Světničkův mlýn was a groat mill and remained in operation until the mid-20th century. Machkův mlýn, formerly called Lhotecký mlýn and later Pilařův mlýn, operated until 1960. Originally, it was an archiepiscopal mill below the Dolní Kladina pond. These details offer several ways to explore the history of the mills: their use as a groat mill, their changing names and their historical connection to archiepiscopal rule.

The date of Vlčinec is uncertain: the mill was probably built in the first half of the 18th century. A wooden mill house built using the log construction method survives there. Along the Kladinský potok, Vlčinec is the last mill before the stream joins the Jankovský. Here, a probable date of origin, a surviving building and a precisely identified position along the watercourse come together.

The chapel and local tradition

Žirov was probably founded in the 13th century on the edge of the Prague bishopric’s Červená Řečice estate. A later historical landmark is the Chapel of St Wenceslas: it was built in 1929, and Marian devotions are held there in May and October. If you plan to visit Žirov in either of these months, you can include the devotion in your schedule and check the exact date.

Cast-iron crosses are also part of local tradition: there are more than ten within the cadastral area of Žirov. Many probably replaced older wooden crosses. Together with the chapel, they broaden the picture of religious markers in the area; the suggestion that the crosses replaced older ones remains a probability.

Cycling route, circuit or historic trail?

The route information varies in length, course and points of reference. Žirov is a way point on the 39 km cycling circuit from Pelhřimov via Křemešník and back to Pelhřimov. A blue cycling route runs from Křemešník to Mladé Bříště and Humpolec, roughly following the medieval route that passed Žirov. If you are especially interested in the historic trail, this approximate correspondence offers a different point of reference from the circuit, whose endpoints are specified.

On the approach to Žirov along the Žirov Circuit, there are views of the summit of Strážiště and the Křemešník massif. Near Žirov, the circuit can be extended via Zachotín, Mysletín, Dudín, Polánky, Vyskytná, Branišov, Kamenicko and Horní Strměchy. Before setting out on this extension, check the trail conditions, as they may change. When choosing a cycling tour, you can therefore distinguish between a stated total distance, an approximate historic trail and a circuit with views and the option to extend it.

Discover more destinations: Božejov, Horní Ves, Kojcice, Zhořec, Senozaty, Dubovice, Křešín, Komorovice.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.