Jankov U Pelhřimova – Natural Landscape, Granite and Pilgrimage

Jankov U Pelhřimova combines protected landscapes with an unusual history of craftsmanship and a religious tradition. The spring and marsh areas around the Jankovský potok are particularly distinctive, preserving important habitats. At the same time, a small quarry tells the story of the work of a single stonemason. Those looking for accommodation in Jankov will find a place whose character is shaped not only by its location, but also by clearly distinct natural and cultural themes.

Spring Areas, Marshes and Rare Species

The Prameniště Jankovského potoka Nature Reserve extends across the cadastral areas of Jankov, Vyskytná and Opatov. It protects a spring area, a floodplain and a natural stream course. The defining landscape features include damp and peaty meadows as well as fragments of marshland. This combination makes the area a natural environment in which water, meadows and marshland remnants are directly interconnected.

The protected area also includes a population of otters. For families who want to discover different natural themes while travelling, Jankov therefore offers more than a general landscape setting: they can distinguish between the spring area, floodplain landscape, damp meadows and the presence of a population of otters.

Another natural area lies within the municipality of Jankov, in the cadastral area of Jankov u Pelhřimova. The U Milíčovska Nature Reserve protects a well-preserved complex of species-rich marsh and meadow communities. In addition, the Jankovský potok National Nature Monument also includes Jankov u Pelhřimova. It covers more than 70 hectares. One of the reasons for its protection is the regionally unique occurrence of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel. In Jankov, therefore, both the diversity of marsh and meadow communities and the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel are central features.

A Quarry as Part of the Local History

Jankov also has a remarkable testament to its local craft history. The quarry was opened around the turn of 1941 and 1942 by the stonemason Jaroslav Křížek. The small open-pit quarry was excavated by a single person. Solid, high-quality granite was used there to produce paving stones, kerbstones and building stone. It is also noteworthy that no explosives were used. The quarry thus represents a very specific form of extracting materials and complements the natural themes with a history of human labour.

St. Anne’s Pilgrimages and Religious Tradition

Jankov’s cultural past also includes pilgrimages dedicated to St. Anne. They were celebrated annually on the Sunday closest to 26 July, the feast day of St. Anne. This timing makes the pilgrimage a clearly defined local tradition and gives the history of the area another distinct facet alongside nature and craftsmanship.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Jankov with other places, you can also include Zachotín, Castrov, Vojslavice, Ježov Nad Želivkou, Cetoraz, Hojanovice, Lidmaň and Hodejovice in your search.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.