Štoky: Cultural Monuments, Castle History and Cycling Route

Discover Historic Štoky

Štoky is a destination for anyone who wants to get to know a place through its visible traces, stories and paths. The focus is on protected cultural monuments, the history of the castle, memories of the Battle of Štoky and a section of the “Okruh kolem Jihlavy přes Polnou” cycling route. This makes it possible to combine cultural discoveries with an active outing without reducing Štoky to just one attraction.

Cultural Monuments and Castle History

A prominent historical landmark is the Church of St. James the Elder. It is a protected cultural monument and has been documented in writing since 1372. The Empire House No. 61 in Štoky is also a protected cultural monument. Both buildings represent different historical periods and give a visit to the town a clear cultural focus.

The Château of Štoky was built in 1760 in the late Baroque style by Karel Josef z Palmů, the owner of the estate. It also became the administrative centre of the former Střítež estate. The designation “former” is essential here: It refers to the château’s historical function, not to a present-day administrative role. For visitors interested in architectural history and regional estate structures, this background adds a political and organisational dimension to the view of the château.

Monuments with Specific Dates

Smaller monuments are also part of Štoky’s historic townscape. The stone Roland Column in Štoky dates approximately from around 1500. The dating is deliberately given as an approximate indication. There is also a Baroque statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from the first half of the 18th century. The year 1803 is carved into its pedestal. This very difference between the time of origin and the engraved date invites a closer look at the monument.

The Battle of Štoky Monument commemorates the fighting that took place there from 2 to 5 December 1805. It was ceremonially unveiled on 1 July 2000. For orientation, the monument is located on Road No. 38 between Štoky and Antonínův Důl. Anyone interested in historical events will find here a specific connection between a place, an event lasting several days and a memorial site erected later.

Cycling and Historic Routes

For an active stay, the “Okruh kolem Jihlavy přes Polnou” cycling route offers a clearly described section: From Kamenná, it runs via Štoky along a nearly 9 km section of the blue-marked route to the Pod Serpentinkou crossroads. The route can therefore be followed using its starting points, markings and endpoint. Those choosing accommodation in Štoky can combine the town’s cultural themes with research into this cycling section without losing sight of the destination’s historic character.

Hanesův mlýn and a Historical Educational Trail

Hanesův mlýn was already standing in 1756 and is therefore also one of the historic landmarks around Štoky. An original educational trail led from the cemetery via Hanesův mlýn to the outdoor swimming pool. It originally had eight stations; today, the information boards are damaged and only three stations remain. The educational trail is therefore of interest primarily as a traditional form of interpretation, while the current condition of the boards must be explicitly taken into account.

Hanesův mlýn also includes a restaurant at Penzion Hanesův mlýn. It is open only by prior arrangement. Anyone wishing to include this dining option in their plans should therefore take the necessary arrangement into account in advance.

Other Places for Trip Planning

For further research, you can also visit Havlickuv Brod, Sázavka, Svetlá Nad Sázavou, Lípa, Čečkovice, Úsobí, Bělá and Vez-Skala.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.