Ctiboř: Pilgrimage and Cultural Heritage in Hrádek

The Hrádek complex in Ctiboř brings together pilgrimage and architectural history; two named cycling routes also include the area. St. Matthew’s Church and the Hrádecké poutě give travelers a tangible connection to the area’s religious tradition. At the same time, the buildings and artworks tell of different historical periods.

Pilgrimage dates in Hrádek

The Hrádecké poutě take place on the first three Sundays in July; the second pilgrimage is considered the most famous. If you would like to combine your trip with a celebration, check the specific dates for the year before setting off. The recurring July period provides a seasonal timeframe, but for precise planning, consult the calendar for the year in question. On April 25, 2008, St. Matthew’s Church in Hrádek was declared a pilgrimage site of the Archdiocese of Prague. The church’s designation and the annual July pilgrimages are two distinct aspects of the same pilgrimage tradition: the designation gives the site permanent status, while the three Sundays define the timeframe for the Hrádecké poutě.

Church and cultural heritage

In Ctiboř, the Hrádek complex, including St. Matthew’s Church, is listed as an immovable cultural monument and tourist destination. The church dates from the first half of the 13th century. Its construction therefore predates its designation as a pilgrimage site in 2008 by several centuries. The complex also includes a cemetery wall and a statue of St. Wenceslas. Inside the church is a painting of the Evangelist Matthew by the renowned Baroque master Petr Brandl. The wall, statue, and painting add specific artistic and decorative details to the site’s architectural history. Hrádek can thus be understood not only through the age of its church, but also through the elements of the complex and its religious visual tradition.

Riverside, forest, and Mariánská studánka

The Hrádek complex lies on the banks of the Blanice. The much-visited Mariánská studánka is also located in the forest near Hrádek. A chapel stands at the spring; it was designed and built in 1904 by Jindřich Neubauer, who came from Vlašim. Here, the pilgrimage church is complemented by a separate pilgrimage site in the forest, complete with its chapel. The year 1904 refers to the present-day chapel, while the church dates back to the first half of the 13th century. For travelers interested in religious sites and their surroundings, the riverside setting, forest, and histories of the different buildings offer distinct facets of Hrádek.

Cycling routes through Ctiboř

Two routes are linked to Ctiboř for cyclists. Cycle Route No. 101 connects Český Šternberk, Ctiboř, Vlašim, and Louňovice pod Blaníkem. Route No. 8175 runs from Vlašim via Hrádek and Ctiboř to Nad Domašínem, then back to Vlašim. The first route connects four named places; the second follows a route via Hrádek and Ctiboř before returning to Vlašim. There is a specific alternative for the forest section between Vlašim and Hrádek: the section, which is quite challenging for ordinary cyclists, can be bypassed via road cycling route No. 101 through Ctiboř. Before setting off, check the current route and conditions, as these may change.

Discover more destinations: Chrást Nad Sázavou, Přestavlky U Čerčan, Dunice, Drachkov, Bukovany, Chocerady, Nemíž, Litichovice.

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Benešov.