Žirovnice

Žirovnice combines an impressive cultural history with a circular route through several villages, a natural swimming pool and quiet paths through the countryside. If you are looking for accommodation for your stay, you can choose the town especially according to the mix of castle history, activities and relaxing experiences you would like.

Church and castle as the cultural centre

The present-day Church of St. Philip and James in Žirovnice was completed in 1871 and built in the Neo-Gothic style. The historical picture also includes the main altar, which was decorated with a painting of the holy apostles Philip and James by the Czech painter Karel Škréta. This gives the church a tangible insight into the religious and artistic history of the town. Several different exhibitions are concentrated in Žirovnice Castle. The gallery of the academic painter Jan Havlík displays his oil paintings. Another exhibition is entitled “Flowers in an Aristocratic Residence” and presents 19th-century furniture interiors. This makes it possible to explore the history of the castle not only through architecture, but also through domestic culture and the design of a historic aristocratic residence. The granary in the castle offers another perspective. Agricultural machinery as well as various tools and implements from peasant life are displayed there. The history of the Žirovnice brewery in the castle brewery dates back to 1544. There is also an exhibition on button-making and mother-of-pearl processing. It shows where and how mother-of-pearl is obtained and presents mother-of-pearl machinery from the second half of the 19th century. The various collections also make the site interesting for families who want to discover historical subjects through engaging objects.

Circular route for hiking and mountain biking

Those who want to get to know Žirovnice actively can follow the clearly described educational trail “Around the Landmarks of Žirovnice”. The circular route leads from Žirovnice through Metánov, Stranná, Štítné, Vlčetín and Popelín and back to Žirovnice. It is 27 kilometres long and suitable for pedestrians and mountain bikers. This makes it possible to plan a day in the surrounding area as a longer hike or a mountain-bike tour without losing the connection to the starting point.

Natural swimming pool, views and a Way of the Cross

The Budín natural swimming pool in Žirovnice includes several facilities. The complex includes a large slide, a concrete table-tennis slab, a nohejbal court and a streetball court. The castle’s lookout tower offers views of the surrounding countryside and complements the cultural impressions with a perspective over the area. The Way of the Cross from Žirovnice lies along the red-marked hiking trail between Žirovnice and Počátky in the “Ve Struhách” forest. For searching for transport connections, the Žirovnice Tourist Information Centre offers a corresponding search option. For further orientation in the wider region, you can also discover Knizata, Komorovice, Hribeci, Starý Smrdov, Betlem, Těchobuz, Útěchovice Pod Stražištěm and Vlásenice-Drbohlavy as well.

To the wider travel overview: Pelhřimov District.