Horní Cerekev can be explored through several specific features: a three-winged castle, a Baroque church, a Jewish cemetery with around 180 gravestones and a historic chestnut avenue. There is also the Půlnoční drak dragon boat race at Zámecký rybník. Architectural and commemorative history thus meet landscape details and a recurring September event. You can decide which of these will shape your stay based on your interest in culture, nature or events.
The castle and the written history of the town
The earliest surviving written record of Horní Cerekev dates from 1361. This year marks an early milestone in the town’s documented history. Horní Cerekev Castle is a two-storey building with three wings and an arcaded courtyard; Zámecký rybník lies to the south. Arcades are rows of arches; at the castle, they define the courtyard and complement the description of three wings and two storeys. According to information updated in 2023, the castle is not open to visitors; check access locally before your trip.
The church and Jewish heritage
The Baroque Church of the Annunciation stands in the square in Horní Cerekev. It adds a distinctive style to the townscape; at the castle, by contrast, the wings and arcaded courtyard define its architectural description. The Jewish cemetery contains around 180 gravestones dating from the 18th century to the 1930s. A small mortuary with a steep pyramidal roof also stands there. The approximate number of gravestones and the long time span give the cemetery its own historical significance; the roof adds a striking architectural detail.
Dragon boat racing and training
The Půlnoční drak dragon boat race has been held every September at Zámecký rybník since 2016. Dates for individual editions may change, so check the specific event date before your trip. You can try dragon boat paddling during a training session at Zámecký rybník, although training times may vary seasonally. The race and taking part are therefore two different occasions: one is tied to the September edition, the other to a training session.
Landscape between avenue, tree and quarry
A one-kilometre-long chestnut avenue, planted at the end of the 19th century, runs along the road out of town towards Pelhřimov. On the road out of town towards Kamenice nad Lipou stands a protected ash tree estimated to be 200 years old. The figures reflect two different time scales: the avenue’s planting period at the end of the 19th century and the ash tree’s estimated age. Shoals of perch, carp and bleak can be seen in the Horní Cerekev quarry; with a little luck, you may also spot eels and catfish.
Discover more destinations: Pavlov U Rynárce, Starý Smrdov, Mezilesí U Pelhřimova, Martinice U Onšova, Libkova Voda, Zhořec, Těchobuz, Kojcice.
For the higher-level travel overview: Pelhřimov District.
