Štěpánovice: Church, Monuments and Cycling Routes

Štěpánovice lies on the I/34 main road, which connects České Budějovice and Třeboň. The village offers a variety of experiences for visitors: the Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, monuments, cycling and hiking routes, and the Návesní Pond. You can plan your visit around architectural history and art, outdoor activities, or fishing.

Church, Art and Local History

Štěpánovice was founded around the 13th century. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is Gothic and dates from the mid-14th century; it is also a protected architectural monument. This sequence connects the village’s early history with a later medieval building. The founding period and the church’s architecture thus represent distinct points in time.

The church contains a stone baptismal font dating from 1515. It also houses a rare late Gothic wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The pieces can be viewed in different ways: the font is defined by its stone construction and precise date, while the statue is distinguished by its wood, Marian subject, and late Gothic period. These specific works of art add to the history of the church building.

At the bridge on the main road, a painted cast-iron statue of St. John of Nepomuk stands on a brick pillar. It is listed as a protected cultural monument. Its location by the road bridge and its painted cast-iron construction give it a different character from the works of art inside the church. The village’s cultural history therefore encompasses both its architecture and a distinct bridge monument.

Cycling and Hiking

Cycling Route No. 1105 passes through Štěpánovice. The signposted 81-kilometre cycling route “Za pivem na Trhovosvinensku” (“A Beer Trail in the Trhové Sviny Region”) also runs through the village. When planning a ride, these details offer different points of reference: the number identifies a cycling route, while the signposted route also has a stated length. The 81 kilometres refers to the route as a whole, not just the section through Štěpánovice. Check seasonal conditions and availability before setting out.

A yellow-marked hiking route also passes through Štěpánovice. The village is also a good starting point for hikes and cycling trips, especially in the nearby Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. This connects local route options with the wider landscape. Those choosing between cycling and hiking will find both a specifically numbered cycling route and a hiking route identified by its yellow markings.

Other Local Leisure Activities

Fishing is possible at Návesní Pond. The local Sokolovna is used for table tennis, badminton, and floorball; it also hosts other sporting and cultural events. These activities complement the village’s cultural and historical sights and the routes through the surrounding area with options by the water and at a local sports and events venue.

Discover more destinations: Vrábče, Vlachnovice, Hummeln, Mokrý Lom, Kronfellern, Nákří, Payreschau, Žár

For the broader travel overview: České Budějovice District.