Petrovice – Nature Trail, Observation Tower and Cultural Monuments

Petrovice between a Nature Trail, Natural Monument and Local History

Petrovice brings together extensive trails, distinctive natural monuments and historic buildings within a compact thematic area. If you would like to combine hiking, landscapes and culture during your stay, the town offers several different points of interest: the Petrovicko Nature Trail begins and ends in Petrovice, the Petrovická Trail leads over Mount Hodětín to the Kuníček Observation Tower, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the castle grounds are the main attractions in the town itself.

Hiking the Petrovicko Nature Trail

The Petrovicko Nature Trail is just under 27 km long and features 20 information boards. As it begins and ends in Petrovice, the trail can be connected directly with the town. Those looking for an extended hike with informative stops will find a considerably longer route here than on a short walk around the town. Part of the nature trail is also accessible to cyclists. When planning a cycling trip, it is therefore important to distinguish between the accessible section and the entire nature trail, which is just under 27 km long.

Another way to explore the landscape around Petrovice is offered by the Petrovická Trail. It leads from Petrovice over Mount Hodětín and onward to the Kuníček Observation Tower. The trail also includes a stone Stations of the Cross route connecting Kuní, Kuníček and Rybníček.

Kuníček Observation Tower and Natural Monuments

The Kuníček Observation Tower is 60.02 m high. Its upper viewing platform is located 36.6 m above the ground. Near Petrovice, the observation tower was opened to the public on June 28, 2003.

The natural monuments also offer distinctive points of interest. The Vrškámen Natural Monument lies approximately 500 m east-southeast of the center of Petrovice. The Husova kazatelna is also located in the forests near Petrovice. It is a protected natural monument and is considered the largest balancing rock in the Czech Republic. Husova kazatelna can be reached via a walkable tourist trail; from the road, the access route continues for more than 250 m.

The Church and Castle as Cultural Attractions

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands at the northeastern corner of Petrovice’s square. It comprises the parish church, the stone cemetery wall, and the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk built onto the outside of the western section of this wall. The original medieval Church of Saints Peter and Paul was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century under Jesuit influence.

The Petrovice castle grounds are classified as a cultural monument. The castle’s main building, “Panský dům,” stands on the site of an older medieval fortress. Its construction dates to the 14th century; the first written mention dates from 1489.

Choosing the Right Accommodation in Petrovice

When searching for a hotel or other accommodation in Petrovice, you can make the preferred focus of your stay the starting point. For longer routes, the key reference points are the Petrovicko Nature Trail, which begins and ends in Petrovice, and the Petrovická Trail leading via Hodětín to the Kuníček Observation Tower. If you prefer local history and architecture, the church complex on the square and the castle grounds classified as a cultural monument take center stage. Nature enthusiasts can also include Vrškámen and Husova kazatelna in their search.

Further Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare destinations in addition to Petrovice, you can find Korkyne, Lešetice, Rosovice, Obořiště, Hluboš, Trhové Dušníky, Kňovice and Dlouhá Lhota here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Příbram District.