Starkoč – Church, Quarry and Local Festivals

Starkoč is a destination for travelers who want to combine culture, local traditions, and unusual geological features. Particularly characteristic are the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Čertův důl, listed as an excursion destination, and the Starkočský lom quarry, which is significant from a paleontological and mineralogical perspective. There are also events that give the town its own local rhythm. Depending on whether you are looking for historic sites, nature-related attractions, or a festival atmosphere, you can discover Starkoč from different perspectives.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Local History

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Starkoč was first mentioned as a parish church in 1352. The present church building was constructed in 1738. These two dates show that the history of the town cannot be tied to a single year of construction: its ecclesiastical significance extends considerably further back than the building’s present form. The church is opened for concerts, lectures, tours, and community gatherings. It is therefore not exclusively a historic building, but also a venue for various cultural activities. Those interested in sacred architecture and local history will find a clear focus for their visit here. In addition, a memorial in Starkoč commemorates 20 fellow citizens who fell on the battlefields. It adds a personal and commemorative dimension to the town’s history.

Local Festivals and Documented Events

The Starkočská pouť is a traditional local festival followed by musical entertainment. For the 2025 edition, children’s attractions from 1 p.m. and an evening event from 8 p.m. were planned. The Starkočská pouť was announced for August 2026, but this does not allow a specific event date or a complete program to be inferred. The “Pohár branné všestrannosti” competition was also announced for Starkoč in August 2026. Previously, this competition had been documented for August 24, 2024. Anyone planning a stay around these events should distinguish between the different dates: the earlier date describes a past event, while the information for August 2026 remains an announcement.

Čertův důl and Starkočský lom

Čertův důl is listed in Starkoč as an excursion destination. The name therefore represents another way to view the town, rather than considering it solely through its architectural history and events. The Starkočský lom quarry is also particularly noteworthy. The locality is paleontologically significant and is considered the only known occurrence of the coral Isis miranda in the Czech Republic. For visitors interested in the history of the Earth, this is a very specific detail that distinguishes Starkoč from ordinary excursion destinations. Large almandine grains and almandine crystals are also found in the quarry. Thus, two different geological topics come together in one place: paleontology and mineralogy.

Getting There and Choosing Other Destinations

For getting there, PID bus line 784 provides a useful point of reference. It connects Starkoč along the Kutná Hora–Horka I–Vrdy–Čáslav route. To compare Starkoč with other places in the same selection, you can also view Dobrovítov, Krchleby, Vinaře, Dolní Pohleď, Drobovice, Rataje Nad Sázavou, Okřesaneč and Vodranty.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Kutná Hora District.