Vílanec – Nature, Church and Historic Architecture

Key features of Vílanec include the Vílanecké rašeliniště, the Church of sv. Jakuba Většího, Fara Vílanec, and marked cycling and hiking trails. Nature, sacred art and architectural history are accompanied by specific routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Vílanec, you can first consider which focus matters most for your stay.

Moorland and location in the Jihlávka Valley

The Vílanecké rašeliniště is a nature reserve in the cadastral area of Vílanec. It comprises a mosaic of aquatic, wetland and meadow habitats: both in a valley floor and around peat-covered springs on the slopes. Rare species found there include slender cottongrass (Eriophorum gracile) and Hamatocaulis vernicosus. The coexistence of these habitats gives the protected area a varied ecological character. Geographically, Vílanec lies on the western side of the Jihlávka Valley; the protected area is located within the cadastral area.

Church and architectural history

The Church of sv. Jakuba Většího stands on a hill above Vílanec; the cemetery is enclosed by a stone wall. The church dates from around 1240 to 1260. Its elevated position and walled cemetery are as much a part of the building’s distinctive character as its medieval origins.

The church has three altars. The main altar features a painting of Saint James; the side altars depict the Deposition of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist in the Wilderness, and the Madonna with the Infant Jesus. Alongside the age of the building, these named religious subjects also shape the town’s cultural character.

Another chapter in the architectural history can be seen at Fara Vílanec. This detached, single-storey Baroque building dates from the second half of the 17th century and was built on the site of an older Renaissance building. Two eras are therefore connected at this site: the Baroque building belongs to the second half of the 17th century, while its location recalls the earlier Renaissance building.

Cycling route, hiking trails and navigation

Cycling route 5215 runs from Popice through Vílanec to Luka nad Jihlavou. For cyclists, Vílanec is therefore a named section of the route linking the two places.

Two marked hiking trails cross the municipality. The yellow-marked trail passes through Sokolíčko near Stonařov and Suchá, continuing to Špičák. The green-marked trail runs from Čeřínek through Kostelec, Pouště and Hodice. Unlike the numbered cycling route, these hiking routes can be distinguished by their colors and the places named along each one. Check the trail markings locally; signage and trail surfaces may change.

Road I/38 also runs through Vílanec, connecting Jihlava with Znojmo. This provides another point of reference for getting around: the road describes the route through the town, while the cycling and hiking trails identify specific leisure routes. When choosing your stay, you can therefore first decide whether the town’s nature and cultural attractions or the routes described above should be your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Nová Ríse, Jihlávka, Dušejov, Věžnička, Cejle, Hostětice, Urbanov, Vanůvek

For the broader travel overview: Jihlava District.