Discover Úhřetice

Úhřetice between the Novohradka and Chrudimka rivers

Úhřetice combines a location between two rivers with historical traces, archaeological features and traditional events. The municipality lies on the left bank of the Novohradka and the right bank of the Chrudimka. Two ponds are located on the western edge, and marked local cycle routes pass through the municipality. The Chrudim–Holice railway line also runs along the southern edge. Úhřetice therefore reveals several different facets: waterside landscapes, cycling, cultural history and regional connections.

History between a manor farm and a vanished castle

The first written mention of Úhřetice dates from 1392. Until 1586, the village remained associated with the Rychmburk estate. After 1586, Markéta Trčková z Lípy founded an extensive manor farm on the southeastern edge of the village. It also included the former Úhřetice Castle, which she had built for possible stays in Úhřetice.

No reconstructed complex of this castle can be expected today: the former castle burned down in 1807 and was not rebuilt. In addition, it is located in an area that is not accessible to the public. This distinction is important when visiting the site, because the castle’s history forms part of the historical context of the village, not a publicly accessible castle tour.

In the center of Úhřetice stands the Chapel of Saint Wenceslas, the only more prominent building. It thus provides a clear reference point for the village’s history, while the other themes are understood primarily through the landscape and the documented historical traces.

Archaeological traces at the Tuněchody brickworks

One particularly notable historical topic is the “Tuněchody cihelna” archaeological area. It lies around the Tuněchody brickworks, mainly to the south, southeast and east of it; Úhřetice is also among the listed cadastral areas. The area is assigned to category ÚAN I and classified as an important archaeological site.

The chronological depth of this site reaches far back. “Tuněchody cihelna” is associated with the Silesian-Platěnice culture, the La Tène period, the Roman Imperial period, the transition from the Early to the High Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages and the Late Middle Ages. The Tuněchody brickworks itself was declared a cultural monument in 2000. The surrounding area therefore contains not only individual historical dates, but also several successive eras alongside a protected industrial heritage site.

Traditions and active exploration

Traditional events in Úhřetice include the burning of witch effigies, costume balls, a Three Kings celebration linked to a charitable campaign, and Saint Nicholas events. Alongside its documented and archaeological aspects, these occasions give the village a living tradition. As these are traditional events, you should check specific dates separately each time.

For active exploration, the marked local cycle routes that pass through Úhřetice are a good option. The two ponds on the western edge of the village and its location by the Novohradka and Chrudimka rivers complement this landscape. Those looking for accommodation in a place with history, a connection to the water and opportunities to plan their own trips will therefore find several different points of interest in Úhřetice, without reducing the village to a single attraction.

More places for your search

If you would like to compare Úhřetice with other destinations, you can also expand your search to Rostejn, Vejvanovice, Kladno, Sobětuchy, Mladoňovice, Žlebské Chvalovice, Krouna and Drevikov.

To the broader travel overview: Chrudim District.