Discover Chržín: History, Church and Trails

Chržín combines a long settlement history with a distinctive church, archaeological traces, and paths through a diverse cultural landscape. The first written record of the village dates from 1292. Settlement in the surrounding area has been documented since the Neolithic period, approximately from the period between the 5th and 6th millennia BC. Part of the local identity is the nickname “český Betlém” (“Czech Bethlehem”), which reflects Chržín’s historical and cultural distinctiveness.

Church of St. Clement and Historical Traces

The Church of St. Clement stands on a hill north of Chržín. Its walls are decorated with Romanesque murals depicting the legend of St. Clement. The church was probably originally built in the early Gothic style. In 1691 and 1761, it was rebuilt and altered in the Baroque style, and in 1781 it received its tower. Gothic Revival restoration took place in 1879. The building therefore combines several clearly distinguishable construction phases that can be placed in chronological context when viewing the church.

The church is surrounded by a cemetery. The cemetery contains the grave of Antonín Strnad, a former rector of Charles University and a renowned astronomer. Archaeological excavations south of the church have confirmed the presence of a field of burial mounds containing cremation burials. On the plateau above Chržín, in an area known as “Za kostelem,” a possible Celtic hillfort is also suspected. The church, its surroundings, and these archaeological indications make Chržín a destination where visible architectural history and traces of settlement reaching far back into the past come together.

A specific event date is also part of the church’s history: On May 23, 2025, St. Clement’s was open to visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and tours were possible. On the same day, the church hosted Noc kostelů, a traditional event in Czechia. This information refers to a past date and should not be understood as a general current opening time.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Routes and Landscape

The Chržinský rybník pond lies almost in the center of the village, making it a clearly identifiable landscape feature within Chržín. A green-marked hiking route runs through the area from Velvary railway station to Nové Ouholice. The Dvořákova stezka is a cycling and hiking trail in the Chržín area. Another option for cyclists is the “Okružní cesta z Kralup za slanou i sladkou chutí” circular route. It continues through Chržín toward Nová Ves, Staré Ouholice, and Miřejovice.

A forest now stands on the reclaimed site of a former sand quarry. Together with the hillside location, this change in the landscape shapes the appearance of the village: From a distance, the church and the village below can be seen in a picturesque view. Those who want to combine cultural history with hiking or cycling in Chržín will therefore find different ways to explore the area, without the village being limited to a single attraction.

More Places to Discover

Other destinations to include in your travel plans are Malíkovice, Hradečno, Stradonice, Stehelčeves, Zichovec, Tuchlovice, Knovíz and Bílichov.

For the broader travel overview: Kladno District.