Discover Kozmice: Church, Fortress Site and Landscape

Kozmice is a destination for anyone who wants to combine historical monuments, archaeological traces and a rural setting. The main attractions are the Church of St. James the Greater and the Na Valech fortress site. The local scenery is complemented by a viewpoint near Kácova Lhota, several elevations in the surrounding area and specific points of interest for different interests.

Church of St. James the Greater

The Church of St. James the Greater is a landmark of Kozmice and is first mentioned in the second half of the 14th century. Its bell tower, dating from the mid-14th century, is registered as a cultural monument under reference number 15702/2-76. In addition to the church, the protected complex includes the enclosing wall, rectory No. 31 and the associated plots of land.

The archaeological importance of the site is also clearly defined: the area of the Church of St. James in Kozmice is registered as an archaeological site in category ÚAN I. Those interested in the medieval history of the village will therefore find not just a single building here, but a complex with architectural and archaeological connections.

The Na Valech Fortress Site

Another historical aspect is represented by the Na Valech fortress site on the edge of the built-up area of Kozmice. It preserves significant terrain remains of a medieval fortified complex that served as the seat of the rural lesser nobility. The site is dated to the period from the 13th to the 15th century.

The site is surrounded by a ditch and, in places, by a rampart. No visible wall remains are present. This very difference from the stone church complex makes the fortress site a distinct historical subject: here, the shapes of the terrain, rather than surviving walls, evoke the former fortification.

Orientation and Places for Different Interests

No educational trail for tourists runs through the municipality of Kozmice. For your planning, it is therefore important to treat the historical sites as individual destinations and not to assume that there is a signposted themed route. Another aspect of the village is the multi-purpose sports complex with a children's playground built in 2018 and a pavilion.

The Landscape Surrounding Kozmice

The wider surroundings include Žebrák Mountain. The area around Kozmice also includes Meduná Hill [Vranovská Lhota], Železnice Hill [Vranov u Čerčan] and Horka Hill [Chocerady-Vestec]. At the southern edge of Kácova Lhota, there is a viewpoint overlooking the landscape. Loreta lies in the wider regional surroundings of Kozmice and is an additional cultural point of reference there as a church.

Directions to the Motocross Track

If the motocross track in Kozmice is your destination, take exit 34 from the D1 motorway towards Ostředek and Benešov.

Discover More Places

For further research, you can also visit the pages on Drachkov, Ješetice, Dunice, Kuňovice, Chmelná, Miličín, Zvěstov and Vodslivy.

To the main travel overview: Benešov District.