Kovač Between Nature and Baroque

Kovač can be explored through two distinct themes: Baroque monuments in the village and protected natural areas. The fortified area lies northwest of the village centre and is distinguished by a striking ridge lined with mature trees. At its centre, beside the municipal office, stands the Kovačský jasan, a common ash tree with a trunk circumference of 530 cm and a height of 23 m. In Kovač, nature is thus part of the village landscape, and protected habitats are also found nearby, although the two themes are not confined to the same place.

Forests and Wetlands

Kovačská bažantnice is a nature reserve covering 30.95 hectares. Its distinctive features include an ancient floodplain forest ecosystem, species-rich forest flora and old oaks. Visitors to the Bažantnice are asked not to pick protected plants or leave litter. These guidelines give the natural area a character of its own: it is not just about the forest, but also about preserving its plant life.

Another nature-related feature is the fire-bellied toad. Rybník Strašidlo is located about 800 metres southwest of Kovač and is a protected area for the species and its habitat. The shallow, wet banks of Hluboký Kovač, in the surroundings of Kovač, also provide suitable habitats for amphibians, including the fire-bellied toad. The two descriptions refer to different places and can be read as indications of the importance of wet habitats in the region.

Baroque Monuments in the Village and Along the Field Paths

A Baroque sandstone statue of Saint Isidore, dating from 1737, stands on the village square next to the bell tower. On 27 September 1996, the Ministry of Culture declared the statue a cultural monument. Its year of creation and protected status mark two different stages in its history: the figure dates from the 18th century, while it was granted protection much later.

On the edge of the village, in the direction of Butoves, a sandstone statue of Saint Charles Borromeo stands among lime trees. It is set on a tall, cuboid plinth. In the direction of Konecchlumí, the Baroque Chapel of the Virgin Mary stands on a hill beside a field path. It was built in 1730 at the expense of Jan Jůza of Kovač, a farmer and former village judge. Another small religious monument is the Boží muka wayside shrine behind Kovač, near the junction of field paths in the direction of Kabáty and Konecchlumí. Its sandstone balustrade is a striking feature of the structure.

Hiking, Cycling and Rail

A green-marked hiking trail leads from Kovač railway station to Konecchlumí, and then either to Nová Paka or into the Chlum forests. Check the current trail markings before setting out. The railway station is part of the IREDO integrated transport system in the Královéhradecký and Pardubický regions and is in Zone 587. As system information may be updated administratively, it is a good idea to check the latest details when planning your journey.

Cyclists also have a specific local route: KČT cycling route 4140 passes through Kovač. Its route description was last updated on 5 January 2012, so check the current signage before setting out. When planning a stay, you can weigh up local history, nature and activities on hiking or cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Kovač, distinguishing between these options can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Jicineves, Jitschin, Dětenice, Chyjice, Vidochov, Holovousy, Stara Paka, Podhorni Ujezd A Vojice

For the overview of the wider area, see: Okres Jičín.