Discover Kratonohy

Kratonohy offers several points of interest for a stay: historic buildings, the KČT cycle route 4199, the Bystřice and seasonal recreation at the Písníky lakes. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether cultural history, cycling or an event date is the deciding factor for your trip. The local features below can help you assess these interests in practical terms.

Church, castle and architectural history

In the central part of Kratonohy, the Church of St James the Greater stands on a slight rise. Its history dates back to Gothic origins; from 1707 to 1710, the church was remodelled in the Baroque style. The dates refer to different stages: 1707 to 1710 marks the Baroque remodelling, not the founding of the church. This building therefore brings together an older Gothic foundation and a later Baroque form.

The Baroque castle was built under the Kinský family on the site of the former fortress and still stands today. During the peasant uprising of 1775, peasants burned down the castle; later alterations affected its architectural character. The church and castle thus represent different building histories: the church is described in terms of its Gothic origins and Baroque remodelling, while the castle is associated with the former fortress, the Kinský family, the fire and later alterations. This contrast illustrates two different aspects of local architecture.

Michnovka and local architecture

In Michnovka, a wooden fire-bell tower on posts is one of the local cultural monuments. Its small bell sits in the fork of a tree branch, with a conical metal roof above it. Alongside the church and castle, the bell tower is a distinct architectural landmark, and its described construction differs markedly from that of the two larger buildings.

Traditional small farmsteads with outbuildings and preserved barns have also been preserved in Kratonohy. They add another layer to the townscape: alongside the church, castle and fire-bell tower, the farmsteads are also part of the local architecture.

Cycling and navigation

The KČT cycle route 4199 initially runs through Kratonohy along a paved municipal road. It then turns onto a paved farm track alongside the Bystřice towards Roudnice. For navigation, the change between these two types of road and the stated direction are useful points of reference along the route.

Two other road references also help with navigation in the local network. A Class II road runs through the southern built-up area of Kratonohy; it was originally numbered 11 and is now designated 611 following renumbering. Road III/32313 connects Kratonohy with the district of Michnovka and leads towards Pravy. The road through the southern built-up area and the link to Michnovka and Pravy can therefore be distinguished by their respective numbers and directions.

The Bystřice and seasonal recreation

North of Kratonohy, the Bystřice flows in two channels: an old one and a new, regulated one. The cycle route is also described as running alongside the Bystřice, in the direction of Roudnice. The river landscape and the cycling route thus stand out as two distinct points of reference.

The Písníky lakes near Obědovice are used for seasonal recreation; part of the area lies within the municipality of Kratonohy. Check local conditions when planning a visit.

Masopust can also be a factor in your travel dates: the festival is traditionally held in Kratonohy. Dates and programme may vary. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the latest event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Písek, Boharyně, Běleč Nad Orlicí, Blešno, Libčany, Převýšov, Hlušice, Zizeleves.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.