Jívoví: Šebeň Nature Monument, Holý vrch and Local History

Jívoví combines a long local history with the protected Šebeň Nature Monument and Holý vrch. The two nature attractions offer different highlights: at Šebeň, the forest complex and wood ants define its character, while Holý vrch offers views across the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. You can tailor your stay to nature, views or local history.

Šebeň and the Nature Trail

The protected Šebeň Nature Monument lies between Jívoví, Cyrilov and Dobrá Voda, on the boundary between the Borská pahorkatina and Velkomeziříčská pahorkatina uplands. It includes an extensive forest complex and an exceptionally large population of the wood ant species Formica polyctena. Šebeň is home to more than 1,100 nests of this species; it is probably the largest known complex of this wood ant in the Czech Republic. For travellers interested in forest nature, the wood ant is a distinct focus alongside the forest complex itself.

The Šebeň Nature Trail starts beyond Jívoví in the direction of Křižanov, 600 m along the road towards Radenice. The trail is 3 km long, takes about two hours and has twelve information boards. The distance and approximate duration help with planning your walk, while the boards provide an informative focus along the route.

Holý vrch: Views and the Climb

Holý vrch lies within the cadastral area of Jívoví. From there, you can enjoy views across the landscape of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands: to the south, the view extends well beyond Velké Meziříčí, and to the north, towards the hills beyond Nové Město na Moravě. The climb is gradual and manageable for small children and with a pushchair. A regional cycling route from Radenice to Cyrilov passes near Holý vrch on a paved path. Unlike the Šebeň Nature Trail, which is defined by its information boards, Holý vrch is all about the views and the climb.

Local History and the Chapel of St Anne

Jívoví is first mentioned in written records in 1287. From its foundation until 1486, Jívoví belonged to Žďár Monastery, except during the years 1422 to 1436. After 240 years, Jívoví once again came into the possession of the Cistercian monastery in Žďár. A later, precisely datable milestone in the town’s history is the Chapel of St Anne: construction began in 1931, and the chapel was consecrated on the feast day of St Anne in 1934. The chapel’s furnishings were assembled through donations. This historical arc therefore runs from the first written mention in 1287 to the chapel’s consecration in 1934; the monastery’s history, the chapel’s construction and its furnishings each offer a different insight into the history of the place.

Getting There

A first-class road runs through Jívoví and connects to the D1 motorway—a useful landmark for planning your journey.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pavlínov, Strachujov, Černá, Daňkovice, Martinice, Zvole, Otín, Horní Radslavice.

For the main travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.