Discover Vidochov: Churches, Trails and Kozinec

Planning a trip to Vidochov

Vidochov lies five kilometres northeast of Nová Paka on the road to Hostinné. There are several specific points of interest to help you plan a visit: two churches with their own architectural histories, numerous hiking and cycling trails, and geological and mining-history themes. These different highlights let you experience the town through its architecture, trails and landscape. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can decide which aspects should take priority in your travel plans based on these themes.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of the Guardian Angels (Andělů strážných) stands on the road from Vidochov to Stupná, on the left-hand side, and is a distinctive building in the lower part of the municipality. On its northeast side is a three-storey ashlar tower with a pyramidal roof. There are triangular ventilation openings in the middle section; a tower finial and a Latin cross sit at the top. These features describe the tower, from its ashlar stonework and openings to its roof shape and finial.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene (sv. Maří Magdalény) was built by the Carthusians of Valdice in 1717–1719; the master builder was Václav Heldt. The complex includes not only the church but also a mortuary built into the perimeter wall opposite the entrance gate. There is also a central cross in the cemetery. The site therefore encompasses more than the church building: the mortuary’s position in the wall and the cross in the cemetery are also part of its described layout.

Trails and the Kozinec observation tower

Numerous hiking and cycling trails run through the area around Vidochov. The Kozinec observation tower opened to the public in 2009. It can be reached from the Nová Paka – město ČD stop or from Horka u Staré Paky railway station via the green-marked hiking trail and a paved spur. If you are planning a visit, check the current access arrangements in advance.

Hiking and cycling trails offer a different focus from individual buildings: they bring the surrounding area into your travel plans, while the churches and observation tower are specific cultural and excursion destinations. This can help you decide whether to choose Vidochov mainly for its architectural history, for the trails in the surrounding area, or for both.

Geology and mining history

The so-called Vidochovský lom is a geological site where chalcedony, agates and varieties of quartz, including smoky quartz, occur. This makes the site of interest for its different minerals. Smoky quartz is one of the quartz varieties mentioned; chalcedony and agates add to the range. This geological focus differs from the churches and observation tower, where architectural history and architecture, respectively, are to the fore.

Mining is also one of the area’s historical themes: shafts and tunnels belonging to the “Marie Matky” mine were located on the northeastern edge of the Vidochov valley. The churches’ sacred architectural history and the former mining activity are therefore distinct historical aspects. Together with the geological deposits, they offer another perspective on the landscape around Vidochov.

Discover more destinations: Brada-Rybníček, Svatojanský Újezd, Holín, Veliš U Jičína, Volanice, Tuř, Nemyčeves, Soberaz.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Jičín.