Chržín – Church, Local History and Routes

Two perspectives take centre stage in Chržín: the local history surrounding the Church of St. Clement and the routes through the area. Other features include the Chržinský rybník and a forest on the site of a former sand quarry. If you are looking for a hotel in Chržín, these highlights can help you decide whether the place fits your travel plans.

The Church of St. Clement and the history of the village

The first written mention of Chržín dates back to 1292. Settlement in the surrounding area goes back much further: it has been documented since the Neolithic period, approximately from the 5th to 6th millennium BC. These two dates mark distinct periods in the village’s history—from archaeological traces in the surrounding area to the first written mention of Chržín.

The Church of St. Clement stands on a hill north of Chržín and is surrounded by a cemetery. Its walls are adorned with Romanesque murals depicting the legend of St. Clement. The cemetery contains the grave of Antonín Strnad, a former rector of Charles University and a well-known astronomer. Archaeological excavations have confirmed a field of burial mounds south of the church.

The building history can also be viewed through several distinct phases of alteration. The church was probably originally built in the Early Gothic style and was remodelled and altered in the Baroque style in 1691 and 1761. It received its tower in 1781 and was Gothicised in 1879. The early construction phase is considered probable, while the later remodelling and alterations are associated with specific years.

A possible Celtic hillfort is thought to have stood on the plateau above Chržín known as “Za kostelem”. Chržín also bears the nickname “český Betlém”, meaning “Czech Bethlehem”. Together with the church and archaeological features, these names and places add different facets to the village’s historical character.

Hillside setting, pond and forest

The hillside setting of Chržín affords a picturesque view from a distance of the church and the village below. Both the church’s elevated position and the view of the village shape the landscape. The Chržinský rybník lies almost in the centre of the village and is another named landmark within Chržín.

Another landscape feature is found on the reclaimed site of a former sand quarry, where a forest now stands. Thus, the description of the village includes not only the hill with the church but also an area whose current use follows its former use as a sand quarry. Those interested in how the landscape has changed will find a different point of reference here than in the architectural and archaeological features surrounding the church.

Distinguishing walking trails and cycling routes

A green-marked walking trail runs through the Chržín area from Velvary railway station to Nové Ouholice. The Dvořákova stezka is a cycling and walking route in the Chržín area. Another route designed for cycling is the circular route “Okružní cesta z Kralup za slanou i sladkou chutí” (“Circular Route from Kralupy in Search of Savoury and Sweet Flavours”): it passes through Chržín and continues towards Nová Ves, Staré Ouholice and Miřejovice.

The routes differ in the kind of guidance they offer: the green-marked walking trail is defined by its two endpoints, while the Dvořákova stezka is classified as a route for cyclists and walkers. By contrast, the circular cycling route is described by its name and the directions it follows. You can distinguish the routes by their respective markings, modes of travel and named places, without treating them as a single route.

Considering Chržín as a destination

For your travel planning, Chržín offers two distinct areas of interest: the architectural and local history surrounding the church, and the walking and cycling routes in the area. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Chržín, you can start by considering which of these interests better suits you. The village’s history spans from its earliest written mention to the dated alterations to the church; the routes can be distinguished by their respective focus and named endpoints.

Discover more destinations: Třebíz, Neuměřice, Vrbičany, Doksy, Podlešín, Ledce, Želenice, Pozdeň

View the broader travel guide: Kladno District.