Číhošť – Church, Josef Toufar and Trails

Číhošť combines a Gothic church, the story of Josef Toufar and several hiking and excursion destinations. Those who choose the village for their trip will find mainly cultural points of interest here, as well as opportunities to combine a visit to Číhošť with a stage along Czech hiking and cycling trails.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the history of the village

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a single-nave Gothic building with a five-sided enclosed presbytery and a sacristy on the northern side. It is already mentioned in records from 1350. Its exterior facade also features distinctive ear-of-grain masonry, which lends the building a unique detail.

The Josef Toufar exhibition is located in the Číhošť rectory. It opened on 11 December 2014 and complements the church visit with another historical focus. The exhibition and the church can be visited by prior arrangement, usually after a church service or at another agreed time. This arrangement is part of the specific visit planning and should be taken into account if you would like to see both places during your stay.

Specific places and works inside the church also commemorate Josef Toufar. His grave is located in front of the altar beneath a stone slab in the floor on the main axis of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Outside the church, the Ecce Homo monument commemorates him. The work by sculptor Roman Podrázský was unveiled on 22 September 1990.

The Číhošť miracle and other places to visit

Číhošť is also associated with a historical event known as the Číhošť miracle. On 11 December 1949, the cross on the tabernacle moved several times during a Mass sermon. The village thus offers a very specific connection to a chapter of regional history and remembrance, without reducing the individual points of interest to a mere list of attractions.

Another option is the Hasičské muzeum SDH in Číhošť. It can be visited at any time by telephone appointment. For planning purposes, this means that, in addition to arranging a prior appointment for the church and exhibition, a telephone arrangement is also required for this museum.

Trails and excursions around Číhošť

The blue-marked Cesta Josefa Toufara trail between Leština and Smrčná passes through Číhošť. The geographical centre of the Czech Republic in Číhošť can be reached by bicycle, on foot or by motorcycle.

Číhošť is also located on the 23rd stage of the Centrální stezka between Ledeč nad Sázavou and Golčův Jeníkov. This stage can be completed as a day trip, as the start and finish are easily accessible by train. Číhošť is the main attraction of the stage. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore focus your stay either more on the church and the Josef Toufar exhibition or on combining it with a longer trail and stage itinerary.

Other places to include in your search

If you would like to extend your travel planning to other places in this selection, you can also visit Druhanov, Vilémovec, Rybníček, Ledec Nad Sázavou, Leština U Světlé, Služátky, Okrouhlička and Loukov.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Havlíčkův Brod District.