Cizkrajov: Castle Site, Churches and Stone Bridge

Cizkrajov and its surroundings bring together an archaeological site, a protected transport structure and a history of sacred architecture. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Cizkrajov, this combination offers a tangible cultural starting point. The themes range from the castle site and late Gothic church architecture to the pilgrimage church of Montserrat. This allows you to consider different historical highlights when planning your visit.

Stone Bridge as a Cultural Monument

The stone bridge in Cizkrajov was protected as an immovable cultural monument in early 2024 (NPÚ, 2024). It is an authentically preserved example of a transport structure and documents the region’s architectural qualities and building and construction techniques. Alongside the churches and castle site, it therefore brings into focus a structure whose significance is linked to the region’s architectural history.

The Archaeological Castle Site

The Cizkrajov castle site lies on the northwestern edge of the village and is a significant archaeological site. It probably dates from around 1300 and was abandoned in the 1430s or 1440s. Low rampart remains, as well as masonry and mortar remains, have been preserved on the site. There is also a ditch up to 3 m deep and 25 m wide. Without specialist knowledge, these traces in the terrain can be difficult to interpret. The castle site thus tells its story through the surviving traces in the landscape and the approximate dates of its construction and abandonment.

Churches and Their Architectural History

The late Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul stands in a cemetery enclosed by a perimeter wall. It has two naves and a polygonal presbytery, meaning a many-sided choir. The present-day church was built between 1500 and 1503 by master builder Jörg Estreicher, who came from nearby Slavonice. The construction period, master builder and floor plan each offer different points of reference for exploring the architecture.

The pilgrimage church of Montserrat stands on a wooded hill, about 1 km from Mutná and southeast of Cizkrajov. Its history includes its demolition by order of Joseph II in 1785 and its reconstruction between 1858 and 1865. A distinctive architectural and religious feature is found in the presbytery: behind the altar is a well fed by a spring. The two churches therefore differ considerably in their histories and described features.

Getting to Cizkrajov

Cizkrajov can be reached via third-class roads from Dolní Bolíkov, Peč and Mutná. The access roads from Peč and Mutná branch off from roads II/406 and II/152, respectively. As road conditions may change due to construction, check the latest traffic information before setting out. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the archaeological traces, the architectural history of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, and the location of the pilgrimage church can help you weigh your cultural interests when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Halámky, Český Rudolec, Jindrichuv Hradec, Pluhův Žďár, Dolní Žďár, Pístina, Hamr, Starý Bozdechov.

Return to the regional travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.