Kostelecké Horky: Těšnov and Rural Culture

When planning a trip to Kostelecké Horky, you can focus on several different themes: the Těšnov fortification and its history, environmental education and traditional crafts, or insights into rural household life. When planning your stay, you can choose based on which of these themes interests you most.

Těšnov: Fortification and Landscape

The Těšnov fortification, also known as “zpropadený zámek,” lies about two kilometres northwest of Kostelecké Horky. It is beside a path running through the forest between the ponds Malý Pobočník and Velký Pobočník. The path and the two ponds help you locate the site in the landscape. Check the local route before your trip if you plan to include Těšnov in your itinerary.

The earthwork has a raised, circular interior area. Its lower diameter is 44 metres, and the moat is 14 metres wide. The remains have always belonged to the area of Kostelecké Horky and predate the present-day municipality. Těšnov can therefore be understood both through its distinctive shape and its long-standing connection with the municipality’s territory.

A Historic Moment in Local Life

The bell of the horecká zvonička also tells of a specific period in local history. It was hidden in a field in 1917 to prevent it from being requisitioned for military purposes. It rang again on 2 November 1918. The two dates record the sequence of events: the bell was safeguarded during the war, then rung again in November 1918.

Environmental Education, Animals and Crafts

A centre for environmental education was established at Dům z modrého kamene in Kostelecké Horky, and it continues to serve this role. At Modrý dům, the stone stable serves as an exhibition space for themed exhibitions and various events. Alongside Těšnov’s history, environmental education and changing cultural events are therefore additional themes to consider when planning your trip.

At Modrý dům, visitors can meet goats, chickens, sheep and guinea pigs up close. Workshops on traditional craft techniques are also offered. Animal encounters and workshop schedules may vary. If you want to plan specifically for one of these activities, check what will be taking place on your visit date.

Rural Household Life in a Historic Building

Next to Modrý dům stands a timber-clad barn with a cellar, dating from the late 18th century. Its ground floor and first floor are devoted to an exhibition on rural household life. Tools, equipment and everyday items are also among the exhibition’s themes. The focus is therefore on daily life and the things used in a rural household.

The barn offers a different focus from Těšnov: it is about household life, work and everyday objects, rather than a fortification. Together with the environmental education and traditional craft offerings, it provides a broad range of local and cultural themes from which to choose the focus of your stay.

The programme of exhibitions and events, the availability of animals and the workshop schedule may vary. The visiting arrangements for the barn exhibition may also change. If you are making firm plans around any of these, check the details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dobruška, Rampuše, Rychnov Nad Kneznou, Tutleky, Voděrady, Lično, Říčky V Orlických Horách, Zdobnice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.