Kostelni Hlavno: Church, Observation Tower and Cycling Route

The Church of St. Peter in Chains and the monument to the fallen of the First World War represent different historical periods. Local connecting route No. 8156 and its sequence of named places also provide a specific point of reference for cyclists. The observation tower links local history with far-reaching views, but is not freely accessible.

Church and Local History

The Church of St. Peter in Chains has been mentioned since 1339; the present church was consecrated on November 8, 1807. The former Kostelní Hlavno fortress is also part of the village’s history. It was built at the intersection of two important historic trade routes. Archaeological remains of the former fortress have also been discovered: masonry foundations were found in the garden of house No. 11. Along with its location at the intersection of two important historic trade routes, the site’s history also includes physical traces of its structures. The fortress thus connects its place in the historic transport network with archaeological remains.

The monument to the fallen of the First World War was unveiled on June 10, 1923. The sculptor Emanuel Zentner created the work in Brandýs nad Labem. The niche chapel on the road to Hlavenec adds a local tradition to the village’s history: a leader from the time of the Thirty Years’ War is said to be buried there. Local tradition about the chapel refers to the period of the Thirty Years’ War; the monument commemorates those who fell in the First World War. Both references connect different wartime periods with the village’s history.

Observation Tower and Access

The Kostelní Hlavno observation tower is eleven metres high and was once a military watchtower. In 2011, it was moved from Slánská hora near Slaný to Kostelní Hlavno. Its history therefore includes former military use and a clearly dated relocation. From the tower, views extend across Kokořínsko, the Prague region, Říp and the Bohemian Central Highlands. The view takes in named landscapes as well as individual landmarks such as Říp. For your visit, access is key: the tower is not freely accessible, and you can climb it only with a trained guide. Check before travelling when a guided climb is available.

Cycling Routes Through Kostelní Hlavno

Cycling route No. 8156 passes through Kostelní Hlavno. As a local connecting route, it links Hlavenec, Kostelní Hlavno, Mečeříž, Slivínko and Dolní Slivno. It branches off from the regionally significant cycling route No. 0039. This route runs from Podbrahy via Hlavenec, Lhota and Křenek. Both sequences of places include Hlavenec; the other places named are different. If you include a cycling route in your travel plans, this distinction helps you separate the local sequence of places from the regional route.

Discover more destinations: Jirny, Dobřejovice, Zeleneč, Káraný, Přezletice, Nove Jirny, Sibřina, Veliš

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.