Říkov: Chapel, Village History and Cycling Route

Říkov lies at an elevation of 270 to 300 metres; the village landscape is shaped by fields and meadows as well as orchards, especially apple orchards.

Chapel and Pilgrimage Tradition

The Kaple svatých Andělů Strážných is considered the village’s most significant attraction. It dates from the first half of the 19th century and was reconstructed in 2012 at the municipality’s expense. The pilgrimage tradition is also part of the village’s history: the chapel was especially known for pilgrimages on the first Sunday in May. In this way, it brings together a 19th-century building history and a long-standing religious tradition.

Historic Markers Along the Way

Two crosses commemorate donations by local groups. The cross at the turnoff to Velká Jesenice was donated by the young men of Říkov in 1892. At the crossroads leading to Doubravice, the young women of Říkov donated another cross in 1899. The different locations, dates and groups of donors help distinguish the two memorials. The obelisk on the road to Velký Třebešov marks a different point in time: it commemorates the first written mention of Říkov in 1366 and stands on the site of a former apple tree. The dates refer to different things: 1366 is the year of the written mention, while 1892 and 1899 are the years the crosses were donated.

Archaeological Traces Across Many Periods

The archaeological site of Říkov includes evidence of settlement and production activities from the Palaeolithic, the Urnfield period, the La Tène period, the Roman Imperial period and the Middle Ages. During a rescue excavation in 2004 on the northeastern edge of the village, feature 96 was uncovered and interpreted as the remains of a La Tène pottery kiln. The long time span and the individual find offer different insights: the periods show the breadth of settlement and production activities over time, while the kiln find provides specific evidence of production in the La Tène period. For those interested in history, these archaeological traces reach far back beyond the written mention of 1366.

Cycling Route and Practical Information

The 83-kilometre cycling route along the Úpa passes through Říkov, Doubravice, Zvoli and Rychnovek on its section from Česká Skalice to Jaroměř. When planning, distinguish between the full route and the section you choose: 83 kilometres is the length of the route; Říkov is one of the places along the section mentioned. If you are planning a ride, check current road conditions in advance, as they can change.

There is a village shop in the Říkov municipal office building. If you plan to visit during your stay, check locally whether it will be open at the time of your visit.

Discover more destinations: Hynčice, Jasenná, Česká Čermná, Velké Poříčí, Provodov-Šonov, Mezimestí, Kramolna, Horní Radechová.

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Náchod.