Samšina: St. Wenceslas Church, Art and Dubolka

Samšina can be viewed through two distinct highlights for your trip: architectural and art history in the village, and the Dubolka Nature Monument. The Church of St. Wenceslas brings together several building phases; statues and a stone reconciliation cross add to its historical themes. Dubolka is known for its neovolcanic formations and thermophilous flora. A cycle path through Samšina also offers a practical reference for planning your routes.

Church of St. Wenceslas and Bell Tower

The Church of St. Wenceslas and its bell tower are protected as a cultural monument under ÚSKP number 37589/6-1363. Its Gothic structure dates from the mid-14th century. It was remodelled in the late Baroque style in 1785–1787; the present western presbytery and the sacristy were added at that time. This makes it possible to distinguish the Gothic origins from the later additions chronologically. Both phases are part of the building’s history, but describe different periods.

The bell tower has a hexagonal plan and features Late Gothic forms and a post-and-frame construction. A coin of the Margraves of Meissen, Frederick II and William III, who ruled jointly from 1442 to 1445, is cast into its bell. The architecture and the coin therefore provide different historical clues: the architectural forms characterize the tower, while the coin points to the period when the two margraves ruled jointly.

Art and Local History

On the village square in front of the church stands a statue of St. John of Nepomuk, a valuable example of late Baroque sculpture. The statue of the Virgin Mary in Samšina is a valuable example of Baroque art in a rural setting. Another building near the church originated from the conversion of a residential building belonging to the original fortress. The new school building was completed in 1895.

At the edge of Samšina, a Baroque stone reconciliation cross commemorates a fatal historical accident involving a horse. A statue of St. Vincent was erected in 1782 at the grave of the person commemorated by the cross. Together with the information about the church, statues and school, this memorial site offers another way to explore local history: here, the focus is on remembering a specific accident.

Dubolka: Geology and Thermophilous Flora

The Dubolka Nature Monument is a neovolcanic hill with thermophilous flora. It comprises three hills; the basalt peaks rise 20–30 metres above the surrounding terrain. The elevations bear witness to the landscape’s ancient volcanic history. Dubolka thus brings together two distinct features: the geological form of the terrain and the thermophilous plant life found there.

Dubolka is accessible from the road via a walkable tourist trail. As trail conditions can change, check the state of the trail before your visit.

Regional Setting and Cycle Path

The part of Samšina north of road I/16 lies within the Český ráj UNESCO Global Geopark. Road I/16 passes through the southern part of the municipality, outside the built-up area. Samšina is also in the immediate vicinity of the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area. These references concern different geographical areas and should not be treated as interchangeable.

For cyclists, cycle route 4079 is a useful reference point: it runs between Příchvoj and Sobotka through Samšina and forms part of the Český ráj cycle route network. Before setting off, check the current route and the local signage.

Discover more destinations: Rytírova Lhota, Dobrá Voda U Hořic, Šárovcova Lhota, Pecka, Podulsi, Bílsko U Hořic, Bašnice, Bukvice.

For the main travel overview: Jičín District.