Číhošť – Church and memorial sites associated with Josef Toufar

Číhošť offers several distinct points of interest: the Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, memorial sites associated with Josef Toufar, the Cesta Josefa Toufara trail, and the 23rd stage of the Centrální stezka. The geometric centre of the Czech Republic is also located in the town. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first decide whether church architecture, remembrance, or a route connection will shape your visit. The practical preparations differ: you need to make an appointment to visit the church and exhibition, check trail markers and conditions before setting out, and, for a day stage, it is worth checking train connections.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and exhibition

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is mentioned in records as early as 1350. It is a single-nave Gothic building: the presbytery has a five-sided end, and the sacristy is on the north side. “Single-nave” describes a main space without additional parallel aisles; the presbytery is the church’s choir area. These terms make the basic layout easier to understand, while the striking ear-of-grain masonry on the exterior façade is a distinctive architectural detail in its own right.

The Josef Toufar exhibition in the rectory opened on 11 December 2014. Visits to the exhibition and tours of the church are possible by prior arrangement, usually after a church service or at another agreed time. If you plan to visit both places, arrange the time in advance and check whether visits are currently possible.

The history and remembrance of Josef Toufar

During the Číhošť miracle, on 11 December 1949, the cross on the tabernacle moved several times during a sermon at Mass. Josef Toufar’s grave is in front of the altar, beneath a stone slab in the floor on the church’s central axis.

The Ecce Homo monument by sculptor Roman Podrázský commemorates Josef Toufar and was unveiled on 22 September 1990. Remembrance is thus present both as a burial site and as a named monument; the exhibition in the rectory offers another way to learn about the subject.

Trails and excursion planning

The blue-marked Cesta Josefa Toufara trail runs between Leština and Smrčná, passing through Číhošť. Before setting out, check the trail markers and conditions. The geometric centre of the Czech Republic is also located in Číhošť and can be reached by bicycle, on foot, or by motorcycle.

Číhošť is the main attraction on the 23rd stage of the Centrální stezka between Ledeč nad Sázavou and Golčův Jeníkov. The stage can be completed as a day trip because both the starting point and destination are easily accessible by train. Check train timetables before planning your trip. The route considerations therefore differ: for the Cesta, the focus is on its course through Číhošť, the blue markers, and trail conditions; for the stage, the main considerations are the day trip and the train-accessible endpoints.

Visiting the Hasičské muzeum SDH

The Hasičské muzeum SDH in Číhošť can be visited at any time by telephone appointment. Call to arrange your visit in advance, as visiting arrangements may change.

A prior appointment is required for the church and exhibition, usually after a church service or at another agreed time; arrangements for the Hasičské muzeum SDH are made by telephone. Plan these visits around the respective appointment requirements and confirm the details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Klokocov, Zvěstovice, Nová Ves U Světlé, Veselý Žďár, Vilémov, Čachotín, Michalovice, Vepříkov.

For the broader travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.