Jičín: Discover the City Gate, Culture and Walking Routes

Jičín combines distinctive buildings with cultural offerings and walking routes through the city and its surroundings. At Valdická brána, city history and views come together; Lipová alej and Rumcajsova stezka offer different options for walks and longer circular routes. Churches, a synagogue and a cultural centre complete the picture. Which of these aspects you focus on during your stay can also help you structure your travel plans.

Valdická brána: Fortifications, Tower and Exhibition Rooms

Valdická brána was built between 1568 and 1578 as part of the city’s fortifications. Its observation tower is 52 metres high and has 156 steps. The observation walkway and attic are open to visitors. There, you can see the roof structure; there are also exhibition rooms. The building thus offers several perspectives: its former role as part of the fortifications, the height of the tower and a look inside the attic.

When planning your visit, you can treat Valdická brána as a destination in its own right for architecture and views. The details about its height and steps give a concrete sense of the building, while the attic and exhibition rooms offer a different way to experience it. You therefore need not limit your visit to the view: the structure above you and the exhibitions are also part of what visitors can access.

Churches, Synagogue and Cultural Programme

Kostel sv. Ignáce is the oldest surviving building in Jičín. In July and August, the church is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this period, guided tours are offered on Fridays at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and noon. Since seasonal arrangements may change, check the times before your trip. This lets you plan your visit to the church for a suitable time rather than assuming you can visit regardless of opening hours.

Another cultural venue is the synagogue at Židovská 100, Jičín, which hosts concerts and lectures. Valdštejnská lodžie is a unique early Baroque monument and also a cultural centre. Its programme focuses on live art, alternative culture and unusual family events; individual programmes may vary. So, if you would like to include cultural offerings in your travel plans, these venues differ both in their architectural history and in the types of events mentioned.

Routes Between City and Countryside

Lipová alej is a unique natural monument: the avenue, just under two kilometres long, leads from the centre of Jičín to Valdštejnská lodžie. Its path has a gravel surface and is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. This is a different type of route from Rumcajsova stezka, a 12-kilometre circular route that starts and ends at Valdštejnovo náměstí.

Rumcajsova stezka passes through Kbelnice, Mount Brada, Prachov and Holín before returning to Jičín. The route therefore specifies a sequence of places and a clear starting and ending point. If you are considering a longer loop, you can use this route description as a guide; the shorter Lipová alej, meanwhile, connects the city centre with Valdštejnská lodžie. These are different route descriptions, not details of a single shared circular route.

Rumcajsova ševcovna and City Tours

Rumcajsova ševcovna offers several activities for families: Manča’s herb garden, Cipísek’s zoo and a playroom for the youngest visitors. You can also visit the shop beneath the tower, where Rumcajs practised his craft for many years. The venue thus features both the areas described for younger visitors and the history of the shop.

If you would rather explore Jičín on a guided city tour, you can contact the guides at Valdštejnovo muzeum a mincovna, who offer tours around the city. Your travel plans can therefore focus on several specific options: architectural history at Valdická brána and Kostel sv. Ignáce, culture at the synagogue and Valdštejnská lodžie, and routes ranging from the short avenue to the 12-kilometre circular route. If you visit in July or August, be sure to check the church’s seasonal opening hours and tour times in advance.

Discover more destinations: Třtěnice, Zelenecká Lhota, Tuř, Drevenice, Staré Místo, Kovač, Rytírova Lhota, Chomutice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jičín.