Chotusice: History, Art and Nature

Chotusice brings together several specific travel themes: the history of the town, examples of Baroque art, the Church of Saint Wenceslas and the Kamajka natural monument. Architectural and cultural history sit alongside geological and ecological themes. The CKH11 cycling route also passes through Chotusice, offering another aspect to consider when planning your trip.

Kamajka: geology and habitat

Kamajka in Chotusice is a protected natural monument. Sediments from a Cretaceous surf zone and an exceptionally rich fossil fauna define its geological character. The abandoned quarries are also part of this natural heritage: they provide refuge for wildlife, birds and amphibians. Thus, geological history and habitat function coexist: the sediments and fossils define its geological significance, while the quarries have ecological value.

These two aspects offer different points of interest for nature enthusiasts. A visit to Kamajka can focus on the Cretaceous period and its fossils, or on the refuges it provides for animals. The natural monument thus adds a distinct perspective to Chotusice’s cultural and historical themes.

Local history, church and art

Chotusice was founded in the 12th century as a dependency of Sedlec Monastery. The Church of Saint Wenceslas dates from the late 13th century and was remodeled in the Baroque style. Its architectural history therefore combines medieval origins with later alterations. The deanery in Chotusice was extended in 1825, and its façade was redesigned in the Empire style.

The statues of saints add their own distinctive touches. The sandstone statue of Saint Donatus is a Baroque work dating from 1735. The statue of Saint Florian is an example of 18th-century Baroque folk art; it depicts the saint pouring water from a vessel. The Donatus statue stands out for its material and precise date, while the Florian statue is notable for the action it depicts. These offer two different ways to engage with religious art.

The dates span a broad historical period: from the town’s founding in the 12th century, through the late-13th-century church, to the Baroque works of the 18th century and the deanery extension in 1825. This makes it possible to place the landmarks in context without assigning them to a single era. Architectural history and sculpture also offer distinct themes: the church and deanery are about construction and change, while the statues invite attention to material, date and depiction.

Cycling route and practical planning

The CKH11 cycling route passes through Chotusice. It is 66.3 km long, with a possible variation of ±5%. Its physical difficulty is rated easy to moderate, while its technical difficulty is rated easy but somewhat challenging. It runs along roads and easy-to-ride terrain. Check route conditions before setting off.

The details answer different planning questions: the length describes the route, while the physical and technical ratings cover two separate aspects of its difficulty. The roads and easy-to-ride terrain add to the description of the route. Therefore, do not treat the ratings as a single overall score; consider both aspects.

While passing through Chotusice, grocery stores and restaurants can provide options for food and refreshments. Check locally to see what is available.

Discover more destinations: Rašovice, Drobovice, Třebešice, Žehušice, Miskovice, Nové Dvory U Kutné Hory, Tupadly, Souňov.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Kutná Hora.