Ober Kniescheklad: History and Cycling Routes

In Ober Kniescheklad (Horní Kněžeklady), the Jan Hus monument and the village chapel represent different chapters in the village’s history. Two loop routes complement these cultural themes with specific destinations and route lengths.

Jan Hus monument: from the initiative to the unveiling

The initiative to erect the Jan Hus monument was connected with the planned celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus’s death at the stake. Following a public fundraising campaign, construction began in 1915. Local mason Matěj Nekola built the pedestal based on a design by sculptor Švec. The ceremonial unveiling took place in 1921, after Professor Švec had returned from the legions in Russia.

The monument’s creation therefore involved several stages: the reason for the planned celebrations, the public fundraising campaign, the start of construction and, finally, the unveiling. This sequence provides a specific timeline for exploring local history without conflating the different contributions to the monument.

Village chapel and cultural centre

The chapel in Horní Kněžeklady was built in 1916. The village chapel with its bell is an example of the typical architecture of village chapels from around the turn of the 18th to the 19th century. Its stucco decoration on the façade is particularly striking. The smooth, white-painted façade features brick-red architectural details.

The construction date and architectural classification offer different points of reference for the chapel: its construction is dated to 1916, while its design is associated with an older type of village chapel. The description of the façade adds specific details about its surface, colour and stucco. This makes it possible to consider the historical date and architectural features separately.

All of the municipality’s cultural events take place at the cultural centre in Horní Kněžeklady. If you would like to include an event in your stay, check the date in advance.

Two loop routes with different destinations

The 86 km Zámecká trasa is a loop route designed to visit four castles. It passes through Hluboká nad Vltavou, Purkarec, Temelín, Hněvkovice, Týn nad Vltavou, Koloděje nad Lužnicí, Bechyně, Březnice and Poněšice; Horní Kněžeklady is also on the route. The 51 km marked cycling loop to Borkovická Blata passes through Horní Kněžeklady on both the outward and return journeys.

The destination and length are two specific points of comparison when choosing a route: the Zámecká trasa focuses on four castles, while the second loop route leads to Borkovická Blata. The stated distances are 86 and 51 km, respectively. Check the current route before setting off, as routes may change.

Archaeological traces in the municipal area

A burial mound site with two mounds lies near a junction of forest paths on the southwestern boundary of the Horní Kněžeklady cadastral area. The forest paths largely take the mounds into account. Its location at a path junction and the presence of two burial mounds describe this archaeological site in greater detail than simply naming the findspot.

The medieval fortified site Tvrziště U kapličky is also located in the area of Dolní Kněžeklady. It lies on a gentle north-facing slope at the southern edge of the village. Its central mound is surrounded on three sides by the remains of a water-filled moat. This fortified site adds another historic location to the picture of the municipality, distinct from the monument, chapel and burial mound site by its clearly identifiable layout.

Travelling by bus

Bus route 157 is listed for the Týn nad Vltavou – Horní Kněžeklady – České Budějovice route. Check the current route and connection before travelling, as routes may change.

Discover more destinations: Mydlovary, Unter Bukowsko, Kolodeje Nad Luznici, Borownitz, Rančice, Roudné, Payreschau, Bida.

View the broader travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.