Žichovice: Bridges, a Castle and the Alois Chapel

Žichovice lies on the right bank of the Otava. For planning your trip, two themes stand out here: stone bridges and other examples of architectural history, as well as a section of the Otavská cycling route along the river. The historic buildings feature different forms and dates; the day the chapel was consecrated has even been recorded. You can explore the town through its specific buildings or focus on the riverside route.

Stone Bridges and Their History

The Dolní Bridge is an old stone road bridge with two segmental arches. It crosses the stream on the road towards Rabí. It is thought to date back to the early 17th century. Its design and tentative dating make it a distinctive chapter in the town’s architectural history.

The partially preserved Horní Bridge has a different design. It is also a stone bridge with two arches, but its vaults are almost semicircular. It spans the stream towards the České dráhy railway station. The bridge is thought to date from the 18th century; a modern structure was added in the mid-20th century. The two bridges thus offer a contrast in their arch shapes and states of preservation.

The history of the Dolní Bridge also includes the Baroque statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. It originally stood on the bridge to the castle. After the 1890 flood, it was placed in front of the bridge and later, in 1912, moved in front of the castle. Its successive locations link the bridge and the castle in a specific historical sequence.

Castle, Sundials and Chapel

Žichovice Castle is not open to the public, but you can at least view it from the castle park. The Baroque sundials can be accessed differently: they are on the south side of the north wing, date from around 1888, and can be freely accessed from the path around the castle. When visiting, distinguish between viewing the castle from the park and accessing the sundials from the path.

The Chapel of Saint Alois stands in the centre of Žichovice. It had stood unfinished for 40 years before being consecrated on 16 June 1861. Unlike the probable dates assigned to the two bridges and the approximate date of the sundials, this gives a precise point of reference in time. Together, these buildings show that the town’s history is not limited to a single era.

A River Route as Another Highlight

Just beyond Žichovice, the Otavská cycling route follows the river along a paved, traffic-free section to the limeworks near Velké Hydčice. The surface, traffic status and destination of this section are clear reference points if you are considering a cycling trip as part of your visit. The route thus complements the stories of the bridges, castle and chapel with a distinct riverside activity.

Discover more destinations: Kejnice, Ujčín, Annín, Olšany, Dešenice, Rozparalka, Kolinec, Švihov U Klatov

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Klatovy.