Makov – Hilly Landscape and St. Vitus Church

Makov lies at the foot of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, 10 kilometers west of Litomyšl. The area is varied, has the character of a hilly landscape, and lies at an altitude of 380 to 490 meters above sea level. This gives the town a clearly defined landscape setting for a trip that combines cultural history with walks through the surrounding area.

St. Vitus Church as a defining landmark

Makov’s dominant landmark is St. Vitus Church, with its 42-meter-high tower. Its history probably dates back to the beginning of the second millennium. It was originally a Romanesque building and was rebuilt several times. The church’s furnishings also include a painting by Mikoláš Aleš. The church therefore combines a widely recognizable local landmark with several layers of cultural history.

Documented memorial sites can also be found around the church. The cemetery in the center of the town, which surrounds St. Vitus Church, contains the registered war grave of the Russian partisan Petr. A memorial plaque for Petr stands in the Sokolovna in the northern part of Makov. In front of the cemetery wall and St. Vitus Church, a cenotaph also commemorates Josef Síč, who came from Makov. It stands next to the monument to the victims of the First World War and recalls that Síč was active in France and England during the Second World War.

Historical Traces and Local Traditions

The first written mention of Makov dates from 1349. The origins of the town are traced back even to the end of the first millennium; evidence includes the discovery of a stone axe and a rider’s spur. Those interested in the development of small Bohemian-Moravian towns will therefore find different points of reference here: archaeological evidence, the first medieval written record, and later memorials in the town center.

The Makov Theater Club is part of the town’s living tradition. It has existed in the town since 1919 and has a long-standing tradition there. The club strives to stage a premiere every year. The traditional Sokolský ples was scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, starting at 8 p.m. in the Sokolovna in Makov. This date is already in the past, but it illustrates the place of local associations and cultural traditions in the town’s public life.

Routes Through the Surrounding Area

Tourist route 0448 passes through Makov. It runs via Nedošínský háj, Morašice, Chotovice, Nové Hrady, Vranice, Toulovcovy maštale, Pod Cikánkou, and Budislav, and is 32.5 kilometers long in total.

In the vicinity of Makov, a hiking signpost at the crossroads near the place called U Tří Kocourů also points to the red-marked trail toward Nové Hrady, Chotovice, Makov–Újezdec, and Morašice. If you are looking for accommodation in Makov, you can therefore choose between a stay focused on local history and one centered on the signposted trails and the hilly landscape.

More Places to Include in Your Search

If you would like to extend your travel planning to other places, you can find additional destination pages for Nedvezi, Sádek, Jaroměřice, Hradec Nad Svitavou, Březinky, Tržek, Javorník, and Březová Nad Svitavou.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Svitavy.