Lovčice – Nature, Local History and Culture

Different interests can shape your trip to Lovčice: local culture, protected habitats and geological features. The Church of St. Bartholomew and the sculptures in the town center sit alongside natural areas with their own conservation priorities. Kněžičky, in turn, is known as a geotourism attraction. These themes give you a concrete basis for deciding what interests you most during your stay.

Protected Areas and Species

Within the cadastral area of Lovčice u Nového Bydžova, the Žehuňsko Natura 2000 site covers 8.1196 hectares. Its protected habitats include semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland on calcareous substrates. They are classified as Festuco-Brometalia (habitat type 6210). Alkaline fens (habitat type 7230) and the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) are also protected. The area therefore brings together different conservation priorities: specific habitats and a named beetle species.

The Žehuňský rybník – Obora Kněžičky bird area protects populations of the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the spotted crake (Porzana porzana), as well as their habitats. Its importance as a breeding area for 131 bird species relates to the period from 1996 to 2002. The two nature themes are therefore distinct: Žehuňsko focuses on dry grasslands, scrubland, fens and the stag beetle, while the bird area focuses on the bird populations named above and their habitats.

Geology in Kněžičky

Kněžičky is a geotourism attraction featuring fossil-bearing Cretaceous rocks and so-called White Slopes. Its geological focus is clearly defined: in addition to the rocks and their fossils, the White Slopes are also among the locality’s named features. If geology is of particular interest to you, this place offers a different theme from the protected habitats and bird populations.

The locality is accessible by car without access restrictions; it is possible to drive to within 250 meters. This information describes vehicle access to the locality. It can help with planning without presupposing a walking time or any further details of the route.

Local History and Sculptures

The Church of St. Bartholomew is located in Lovčice u Nového Bydžova. A bell house or bell tower and an enclosing wall are also located in Lovčice u Nového Bydžova. A fortress once stood on the rise known as Na Pekelci; this site is also part of the area’s history.

Two sculptures stand in the center of Velká náves square in Lovčice: “Jesus on the Cross” and “Statue of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child.” A statue of the Virgin Mary is also located in the pedestal of the “Jesus on the Cross” sculpture. The second sculpture is named “Statue of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child.” These names can thus be associated with the sculptures in the town center, while the statue of the Virgin Mary in the pedestal is a separate detail of the cross monument.

The grave of Soviet Red Army soldier Akan Julimetou is in the local cemetery. He was born in 1910 and fell in combat on May 22, 1945. His exact life dates and date of death give this part of local history a specific connection to the past.

Getting There by Train

Lovčice obec stop is on the single-track Chlumec nad Cidlinou–Městec Králové–Křinec railway line. It is an intermediate stop on a straight section of track. The stop is about 300 meters from the notional center of Lovčice. This distance is explicitly measured from that notional center. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vinary, Sadová, Libřice, Ledce, Světí, Myštěves, Kobylice, Radíkovice.

View the broader travel overview: Hradec Králové District.