Starkoč: History, Geology and Local Culture

Starkoč brings together several reasons to stay: the history of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the geological features of the Starkočský lom quarry and a traditional local festival. When planning a trip, you can first decide whether to focus on history, geology or a specific event date.

History and cultural use

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is first mentioned as a parish church in 1352; the present-day church was built in 1738. These are two distinct historical reference points: its early mention as a parish church and the construction of the current building. The church also opens its doors for concerts, lectures, tours and community gatherings. It thus combines local history with cultural and community use. If you would like to plan a visit or attend a specific programme, check what is on offer before your trip.

Another historical landmark is the memorial in Starkoč, commemorating 20 local residents who fell on the battlefields. It shifts the focus from the history of buildings to remembering people from the area.

Geology at the Starkočský lom quarry

The Starkočský lom quarry is both a palaeontological and a mineralogical site. It is the only known site in the Czech Republic where the coral Isis miranda occurs; large almandine grains and crystals are also found there. Palaeontology and mineralogy have different focuses: the former centres on the coral, the latter on almandines. Both perspectives relate to the same named site and give you two clearly distinct geological themes to consider when planning your trip.

Festival and other places to visit

The Starkočská pouť is a traditional local festival followed by musical entertainment. The 2025 edition was scheduled to include children’s attractions from 1 p.m. and an evening event from 8 p.m. These times apply to that specific programme; if you want to attend a different edition, check its dates and programme. The pouť is therefore a time-specific occasion, while the church and quarry offer historical and geological points of interest regardless of the festival. Čertův důl is another place to visit associated with Starkoč.

Getting there and finding hotels

If you are travelling for the Starkočská pouť, plan your dates around the relevant edition. For a stay focused on history or geology, the church and Starkočský lom quarry can guide your choice of activities. This lets you tailor your search for hotels for your trip to Starkoč to your interests and travel dates.

For getting there, PID bus route 784 is a useful reference point: it connects Starkoč on the Kutná Hora–Horka I–Vrdy–Čáslav route. Check departure times before travelling, especially if you are planning around an event or a specific programme. This helps ensure your journey is suited to the day you actually travel.

Discover more destinations: Nové Dvory U Kutné Hory, Hlízov, Krchleby, Křesetice, Suchdol, Chabeřice, Třebešice, Zruc Nad Sázavou.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Kutná Hora.