Holovousy: Castle and Apple Tradition

Holovousy offers visitors historical buildings, the Holovousova Trail, and a long-standing apple variety to explore during their stay. The trail passes through places in Holovousy and Chodovice that are linked to local legends and historical sights. Its stops focus on different themes: historic fruit varieties have been planted in the village square, the castle represents the area’s architectural history, and the route then continues to Chodovice. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are particularly interested in historic architecture, religious buildings, or the history of apples. If you are looking for a hotel in Holovousy, these themes offer a practical guide to the kind of stay you might enjoy.

Castle, Hillfort, and Architectural History

Holovousy Castle originated as a fortress, first mentioned in writing in 1433. Around 1594, the complex was converted into a Renaissance castle. The castle park in Holovousy is also home to a Slavic hillfort dating from the first half of the 9th century. It is listed in the state register of immovable cultural monuments. The dates point to different historical periods: the hillfort belongs to the Early Middle Ages, while the castle’s history extends from the written mention of the fortress to its conversion into a Renaissance castle. Holovousy therefore brings together an archaeological site dating to an early period and the later transformation of a fortress into a castle as two distinct historical themes.

The Holovousova Trail and the History of Apples

The Holovousova Trail offers another way to explore local legends and historical sights. One of its stops is the village square in Holovousy, where historic apple and pear varieties have been planted, including Holovouské malinové. Holovousy Castle is also a stop; from there, the trail continues to Chodovice. The route brings together the history of fruit and architecture, while its continuation highlights the connection with Chodovice.

Holovouské malinové is a historic apple variety whose history dates back to the 18th century. It is associated with French families who came to the estate in Holovousy. The variety is no longer widely cultivated today and is now found only as a standard tree. Its connection with the area is reflected both in the village square, where it is represented alongside other historic fruit varieties, and in the name of the autumn festival Slavnosti holovouských malináčů. For visitors interested in cultural history, the apple offers a distinct way to explore local history, separate from the architectural history of the castle.

Autumn Festival and Dates

Slavnosti holovouských malináčů takes place on the first Saturday in October. Established as an annual event, the festival is one of the autumn celebrations in Holovousy and the wider region. Since the first edition, competitions have been held to find the tastiest malináč apple and the best apple pie. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the date for the relevant year. Its recurring October timing and focus on apples give the festival a different emphasis from the historic buildings and stops along the trail.

Church of St. Bartholomew in Chodovice

The Church of St. Bartholomew in Chodovice is a single-nave building with a pentagonal presbytery. Its massive, square-plan tower is topped by an onion dome with a lantern and a bulb-shaped finial. The entrance bears the date “Anno 1756.” The tombstones of Václav Karlík and Jan Karlík of Nežetice are set into the exterior wall beside the portal. The date and tombstones provide specific historical details, while the church’s structure can be described in terms of its nave, presbytery, and tower. The church also hosts concerts, exhibitions, religious services, weddings, and theatrical performances. The program may vary, so if an event is the reason for your stay, check its date.

Sales Outlet on the Institute Grounds

The apple theme also includes a sales outlet run by the Výzkumný a šlechtitelský ústav ovocnářský Holovousy. It is located in the warehouse building on the institute grounds. The selection is seasonal and may change; ask about the current range if you are interested.

Discover more destinations: Valdice, Mladějov, Pecka, Ostroměř, Radim, Hořice V Podkrkonoší, Sobčice, Kozojedy

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Jičín.