Jakubov U Moravských Budějovic: Church, Ponds and Straw Tradition

Jakubov U Moravských Budějovic offers several different themes to consider when planning a trip: sacred architectural history, a straw tradition and ponds with historical connections to leisure activities. When looking for a hotel, you can weigh up these themes to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: protected monuments, a seasonal custom or the history of Vidlák. The time periods range from the castle’s first recorded mention in 1354 to the origins of the “Slamáky” straw figures in September 2005; medieval references to the ponds and architectural changes in the 20th century are also part of the story.

The Church and Historical Transport Connections

East of Jakubov, on a hill, stands the Late Romanesque Church of St James the Greater, also known as St James the Elder. The church, its stairs and the enclosure are protected. Its location, dedication and protected features give you several concrete points of reference for the local history: the church is both a sacred building and a monument whose protection expressly extends beyond the building itself. If you are interested in architectural history, this connection links the hilltop location with the architectural complex surrounding the church.

Another protected cultural monument is the statue of Saint Tekla. It stands opposite the inn, on the other side of the road. The construction of the inn was connected with the establishment of the route between Prague and Vienna via Jihlava and Znojmo. Two distinct historical connections therefore come together here: the statue as a cultural monument, and the building history of an inn linked to a route of regional importance.

Straw Figures and Advent

The first “Slamáky” straw figures were created in September 2005 by a group of local enthusiasts beside international road I/38. A report from September 2025 describes the annual display of fairy-tale straw figures in Jakubov; individual figures change. The straw tradition also includes making life-size hay nativity scenes every year during Advent. For your trip planning, these themes differ mainly in timing: the hay nativity scenes are specifically associated with Advent, while the straw figures are described as a recurring annual feature. So if you would like to take local customs into account when choosing when to travel, Advent is the specific seasonal reference mentioned.

Ponds and Earlier Leisure Use

The two ponds Vidlák and Oráč lie northeast of Jakubov. Vidlák was already one of the four ponds belonging to the town of Jakubov in the Middle Ages. In 1931, the “Plovárna Národní jednoty” was established near Jakubov at Vidlák; it later became known as the Jakubovská riviéra. Swimming lessons used to be held at the Jakubovská riviéra. Vidlák’s history thus encompasses both its medieval connection with Jakubov and its later use for leisure. Oráč is the second named pond northeast of the village; together, the two names provide a clear point of reference in the landscape for exploring the surrounding area.

Castle History and Architectural Change

Jakubov Castle is first mentioned by name in 1354. The site of the former castle is now completely built over with detached houses. The historical mention and the present-day development of the former castle site thus represent different perspectives on the local history. The Jakubovský mlýn illustrates a different course of events: it has retained only part of its original substance because it was converted, particularly in the mid-20th century, into workshops for an agricultural cooperative. The castle site and the mill therefore help place two things in context: the historical mention of a place and the alteration of a building through later use. If you are interested in architectural history, these themes complement each other without describing the same kind of historical connection.

Discover more destinations: Nárameč, Hroznatín, Chlístov, Zárubice, Myslibořice, Kuroslepy, Jaroměřice Nad Rokytnou, Koněšín

For the broader travel overview: Okres Třebíč.