Discover Holovousy

Holovousy combines historical traces, vibrant regional traditions and discoveries between Holovousy and Chodovice. Families looking to bring together different interests will find points of connection here ranging from castle history and the Slavic hillfort to old fruit varieties, village culture and church events.

Castle history and early cultural monuments

Holovousy Castle originated as a fortress first mentioned in writing in 1433. Around 1594, it was converted into a Renaissance chateau. The castle park also contains a Slavic hillfort dating from the first half of the 9th century. It is listed in the state register of immovable cultural monuments. In Holovousy, you can therefore encounter both more recent castle architecture and evidence of a much earlier settlement history.

Another historical trace leads to Chodovice and the Church of Saint Bartholomew. The date “Anno 1756” is inscribed above its entrance. The tombstones of Václav Karlík and Jan Karlík of Nežetice are set into the exterior wall. The building itself has a single nave, a pentagonal presbytery and a massive prismatic tower. The tower is crowned by a bulbous dome with a lantern and finial. The church is also a venue for concerts, exhibitions, religious services, weddings and theatre performances.

Holovousova Trail between the village, castle and Chodovice

The Holovousova Trail leads through places in Holovousy and Chodovice associated with local legends and historical sights. On the road between Holovousy and Chodovice, you will also find the protected Holovouská lípa lime tree, with a trunk circumference of 4.15 metres. One of its stops is the village square in Holovousy. Historical apple and pear varieties grow there, including Holovouské malinové. Holovousy Castle is also one of the stops; from there, the trail continues to Chodovice. In this way, the route connects several themes without leaving the history centred on a single building.

Apple tradition and autumn events

Holovouské malinové is a historic apple variety. It is no longer cultivated widely today and is found only as a standard tree. Its history dates back to the 18th century and is associated with French families who came to the estate in Holovousy. For visitors, this distinctive feature is most tangible where local history, fruit growing and regional identity come together.

The Slavnosti holovouských malináčů was established as an annual event and is a permanent part of the autumn events in Holovousy and the entire region. It takes place on the first Saturday in October. Since the first edition, competitions have been held every year for the tastiest malináč apple and the best apple pie. The event thus places a clear emphasis on local varieties and culinary traditions.

Further points of reference for your research

A sales outlet of the Výzkumný a šlechtitelský ústav ovocnářský Holovousy is located directly in the storage building on the institute grounds. In addition, the 18th edition of the Slavnosti sv. Bartoloměje in Holovousy was announced for Sunday, 25 August 2024; the pilgrimage programme had already begun on Saturday, 24 August, with an organ concert in the Church of Saint Bartholomew. This information expressly refers to 2024 and is not a current event date.

For further destination research, you can also check [Sobčice](Sobčice), [Zámostí-Blata](Zámostí-Blata), [Luzany U Jicína](Luzany U Jicína), [Jinolice](Jinolice), [Soberaz](Soberaz), [Jicineves](Jicineves), [Radim](Radim) and [Nevratice](Nevratice) .

For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.