Řečice – Castle History, Chapels and Snowdrops

Řečice combines castle history, sacred buildings, a living religious tradition and a seasonally notable natural area.

Castle History and Sacred Buildings

The single-storey rectangular castle in Řečice was converted from a former fortress in 1730. The former castle chapel of the Virgin Mary is located on the upper floor. The chapel is therefore part of the castle’s internal layout and is also identified as a former sacred space. Its location distinguishes it from the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which stands as a separate building in Řečice.

The Chapel of the Holy Trinity dates from 1865. A stone cross from 1811 stands beside it. Both elements form a shared sacred reference point, but remain structurally separate: the cross stands next to the chapel and is not part of the former castle chapel. Those exploring the religious sites of the village will therefore encounter different spatial situations – a former chapel space on the upper floor of the castle, as well as a chapel with an adjacent stone cross.

Pilgrimage and Religious Tradition

A Mass is celebrated in the chapel in Řečice on Saturday evenings every two or three weeks. This recurring service is part of the village’s religious tradition.

On May 17, 2026, the third edition of the pilgrimage “Od sv Jana k sv. Janovi” took place. The pilgrimage led from the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in Řečice to the Church of Saint John of Nepomuk in Krahulčí. The starting point and destination differ in form: in Řečice there is a statue, while in Krahulčí there is a church. Both stations are dedicated to the same saint. The route thus connects two different sacred reference points and leads from Řečice to Krahulčí.

Snowdrops in Spring

The snowdrop area in Řečice is maintained year-round with the support of the Agentura ochrany přírody a krajiny. The maintenance therefore applies to the area throughout the year and not only during the period when the plants are visibly in bloom.

In spring, visitors can explore the area on foot; at that time, blooming snowdrops can be seen there. Nature observation therefore has a clear seasonal focus, while the area is maintained year-round. The snowdrop area complements the historical and religious sites with a natural experience tied to the flowering season.

Public Infrastructure

Řečice also has a municipal library with public internet access. The library is therefore a municipal facility forming part of the village’s amenities, while the castle, chapels, pilgrimage and snowdrop area represent the different cultural, religious and natural aspects of Řečice.

Other destinations to compare are Dačice, Jarosov Nad Nezarkou, Písečné U Slavonic, Třeboň Ii, Budíškovice, Heřmaneč, Horní Radouň and Kostelní Radouň.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.