Hořovice: Cultural History and Nature

Hořovice combines cultural and historical themes with opportunities to spend time outdoors. The grounds of the Old Castle (Starý zámek) house several exhibitions covering different subjects. Other historical landmarks include the Church of St. Giles and the synagogue building in Hořovice; Dražovka Forest Park adds a place for recreation. This gives you several ways to explore the destination, depending on your interest in local history, exhibitions or nature.

Exhibitions on the Grounds of the Old Castle

The Muzeum Hořovicka presents permanent exhibitions on the history of Hořovice, art casting, nail-making, archaeological finds and the history of the Brdy Forest on the grounds of the Old Castle. Local history, crafts, archaeology and forest history are thus brought together. The museum is a particularly useful starting point for planning if you would like to explore several aspects rather than focus on just one subject. Check the opening hours before your visit.

The Starý zámek Gallery holds temporary themed exhibitions in the rooms of the Old Castle. The exhibition schedule changes, so check the current programme in advance. Another exhibition in the Old Castle is dedicated to historical tombstones from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Unlike the gallery’s changing themes, this exhibition focuses on a clearly defined historical subject. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose between a changing exhibition programme and a specific historical focus.

The Church and Synagogue as Historical Landmarks

The Church of St. Giles is considered the oldest religious centre of the original settlement of Hořovice. It was first mentioned in writing in 1321. The synagogue building in Hořovice dates from 1903. These dates refer to different historical milestones: for the church, it is the first written mention; for the synagogue, it is the year the building was constructed. This distinction helps you avoid treating the dates as equivalent and to understand the different religious and architectural traces of Hořovice.

Forest Park and Cycle Path

Dražovka Forest Park adds a nature-focused option to the cultural and historical attractions. It is part of the forests owned by the town of Hořovice, which cover about 145 hectares and lie along the northern edge of the Brdy Highlands. This area figure refers to the town’s forests as a whole; Dražovka is just one part of them. Traditionally, the park has served Hořovice residents as a place for everyday visits, walks and relaxation. While the exhibitions on the castle grounds cover a range of subjects, Dražovka is primarily used as a place for recreation.

There is also a specific route detail for cyclists: the cycle path along the Červený potok is 1.23564 kilometres long, or around 1.24 kilometres. This is a short route, and you can use its length to help plan your day. Check the current path conditions before setting out.

Practical Information for Hořovice Castle

The location of the larger car park is also useful to know when planning a visit to Hořovice Castle. It is behind the park at Sluneční brána, about 700 metres’ walk from the castle. Allow time for this walk during your visit. Parking arrangements can change, so check the current situation before you travel.

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For the wider travel overview: Beroun District.