Ohaveč: Village History and a Landscape of Ponds

Ohaveč combines a very early settlement history with a village square from which distinctive landscape features are visible. The place can be understood from two perspectives: the village’s development over time and the relationship between its built environment and the surrounding landscape. The area around Ohaveč was already settled in the 6th to 5th millennium BC and formed part of the settlement area of the nearby Prachovské skály. This early settlement and the later stages in the medieval village’s history belong to different time periods.

A Long History in Distinct Stages

The medieval village of Ohaveč is first mentioned in 1327. Before 1487, it was incorporated into the Veliš estate of the Trčka of Lípa family, which was expanding at the time. In 1622, under Albrecht von Wallenstein, Ohaveč became part of the Duchy of Friedland. The three dates mark distinct historical reference points: the village’s first mention, its incorporation into an estate, and its later inclusion in a duchy. Together, they trace the village’s history from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

Archaeological investigations in the area around Ohaveč uncovered at least 90 features, including huts and pits, as well as numerous stone tools and pottery fragments. The findings add specific types of discoveries to the village’s history, not just dates. Huts and pits are listed alongside tools and pottery; the finds therefore include both traces of structures and objects and fragments.

Finding Your Way Around the Village Square

The local layout can be understood by reference to the road between Sobotka and Jičín and the village square. When travelling from Sobotka to Jičín, the road passes through Ohaveč; the charming village square lies a few dozen metres to the south. From the square, there are views of the Velišský hřbet and down towards the Ostruženské rybníky. The road and the village square thus serve as two distinct points of reference, while both of the views mentioned can be enjoyed from the square.

Protected Trees and a Landscape of Ponds

The Ohavečská lípa is designated as a protected memorial tree. It was first placed under protection on 21 May 2008. This natural landmark brings together an individual name, a protection category and an exact date. This distinguishes the tree from a protected area such as the Ostruženské rybníky.

The Ostruženské rybníky natural monument lies in the cadastral areas of Březina, Ohaveč and Ostružno. It includes the Ostruženský, Turecká and Čeperka ponds, as well as reed beds and adjoining wet meadows. The protected area’s shared name therefore encompasses several bodies of water; its description also includes reeds and wet meadows. It is one of the most important ornithological areas in the Královéhradecký Region. The description of the ponds and their surrounding landscape is thus linked to ornithological importance at the regional level. From the village square, the view looks down towards the Ostruženské rybníky, bringing a specific local viewpoint together with a natural monument that spans three cadastral areas.

Discover more destinations: Podulsi, Zámezí, Butoves, Cerekvice Nad Bystřicí, Vřesník, Kumburský Újezd, Bystřice, Rokytňany

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jičín.