Biřkov – Archaeology and Local History

A visit to Biřkov offers several specific cultural themes through which to explore the village’s history. These include the barrow cemetery in Zderaz Forest, the history of the former fortress, and the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from the late 18th century. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Biřkov, these different points of interest can help you decide on the cultural focus of your trip.

Barrow Cemetery in Zderaz Forest

The barrow cemetery in Zderaz Forest is located in the cadastral area of Biřkov, southwest of the municipality’s reservoir, and is also known as Na Zderaze. It is classified as ÚAN I and designated as a significant archaeological site. This places the site geographically in relation to Biřkov and the reservoir, and archaeologically through its classification and designation.

During its re-identification, 46 features were recorded; it is not entirely certain whether all of them should be interpreted as barrows. The larger barrows reach about 2 m in height and 12–15 m in diameter. These are approximate measurements and apply to the larger mounds only. The distinction is important for interpreting the site: the figure refers to the features recorded, while the measurements describe only the larger barrows.

The Former Fortress and Na Tvrzi

A pond at the former Biřkov fortress supplied water to its moat. The still-visible moat lies beneath the road to Vřeskovice; the area is still called Na Tvrzi. The pond explains the former water supply, the moat is a visible trace, and Na Tvrzi remains the name of the area. Unlike the cemetery, the focus here is on the former function of a fortification.

Chapel and Halloweenská stezka

The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in Biřkov dates from the late 18th century. As a named building, it offers a different way to explore Biřkov’s past than the cemetery and the former fortress: the focus here is on a dedication and a date, not on interpreting archaeological finds or the function of a moat. Those interested in architectural history will find a distinct local topic here.

A Halloween activity trail with various tasks was also offered in Biřkov. The Halloweenská stezka was suitable as an easy route for young and old alike; the tasks were adapted for different age groups, and children completed them at individual stations. As an activity, it differed from the local-history points of interest: the emphasis was on tasks at stations rather than an archaeological site or a historic building.

The local history offers different points of interest for planning a trip: the cemetery is about interpreting archaeological features, the former fortress about the former function of the moat, and the chapel about a building dating from the late 18th century. The Halloweenská stezka added an activity format that had previously been offered to these historical points of interest. This makes it possible to distinguish between archaeology, the history of fortifications, architectural history, and a past activity when exploring Biřkov.

Discover More Destinations

Lukoviste, Horažďovice, Velké Hydčice, Rejštejn, Předslav, Zelezná Ruda, Vrhaveč, Černíkov

For the overview of the wider area: Klatovy District.