Huzová – History, Culture and Hiking Trails in the Sovinecko Nature Park

Huzová combines a multifaceted local history with marked trails through the landscapes of the Sovinecko Nature Park. This makes it a destination where cultural and historical discoveries can be naturally combined with experiences in nature: the Church of St. Giles preserves a Romanesque core, while deep valleys, wooded slopes and several described hiking routes form the surrounding landscape.

History and the Church of St. Giles

A document issued by Bishop Zdík mentions Huzová in 1141 under its original name, Guzoue. Huzová was probably intended as a transit station from the beginning of settlement, on the trade route from Olomouc to Wrocław. This historical context complements the visible landmarks in the village without equating its former importance with present-day traffic conditions.

The Church of St. Giles has a historic core probably dating from the 15th century and also contains a Romanesque core. Its interior features ornamental paintings, colourful stained-glass windows, decorated altars and a Neoclassical pulpit. On the exterior, there is a glazed niche with a biblical depiction. A stone cross dating from 1827 stands in front of the church.

Further details are scattered throughout the village: a statue of Saint Joseph from the first quarter of the 19th century stands by the cemetery wall. On the edge of the village is a Marian column, an unusually composed sculpture from 1710 created by a folk artist. Historically, flax cultivation and processing, as well as home weaving, were important sources of income for the people of Huzová.

Sovinecko Nature Park and Marked Trails

Huzová is an access point with bus connections to the marked hiking trails in the Sovinecko Nature Park. The nature park is characterised by deep valleys and distinctive slopes covered in dense forest. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between cultural and historical impressions in the village and a variety of landscapes.

A blue-marked hiking trail leads from Huzová via Pod Líchou and the Teplička Valley to Sovinec Castle. Another route runs from Huzová through the Teplička Valley along the Teplička River, via Pod Karlovcem and onward to the small settlement of Pasecký Žleb. The yellow-marked trail leads eastwards to the 706-metre-high summit of Pomezí and onward towards the 800-metre-high summit of Slunečná.

Other Historical Sights

Huzová is also home to Dolní mlýn, the only surviving one of three mills built successively. On the edge of Veveří stands a large building known as the rychta, dating from the end of the 18th century. The ruins of the Chapel of Saint Jerome are also located there, surrounded by a former cemetery and an enclosing wall. They are among the few surviving remains of Veveří, a settlement abandoned after the Second World War.

Other Places in This Selection

For your further search, you can also consider Hnojice, Babice U Šternberka, Řídeč, Vilémov, Uničov, Komárov, Tovéř and Pňovice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Olomouc District.