Discover Herálec: Castle, Church and Glassmaking Tradition

Baroque wayside shrines, the building history of Chateau Herálec, the Church of St. Bartholomew and the glassmaking tradition are especially defining features of this focus. The dates open up several distinct topics for your stay—from religious art and castle architecture to local glass production.

Wayside Shrines and Church

Wayside shrines dating from 1767 stand along the road to the new cemetery beyond Herálec. They were created by an unknown artist and are considered a valuable example of folk Baroque. They have been restored to their original form and using their original technical methods.

At the Church of St. Bartholomew, the predecessor building and the present-day church should be clearly distinguished chronologically. The predecessor building dates from the 13th century; around 1280, it was fortified and protected by a moat or pond. The present-day church was solemnly consecrated on October 24, 1880, by Josef Hais, Bishop of Hradec Králové. A Baroque statue of St. Florian dating from 1740 also stands in the small park in front of the church.

The Building History of Chateau Herálec

Several building phases can also be distinguished at Chateau Herálec. The walls date from the 13th century. Herálec was sold in 1601. In the following decades, Kryštof Karel z Roupova had the castle converted into a three-wing, single-storey building with round towers. In 1861, architect B. Waschmann redesigned the castle in the Neo-Gothic style. From 2009 to August 2011, it underwent extensive conservation and historical restoration.

Hotel Chateau Herálec has a swimming pool beneath historic vaulted ceilings in the castle's former stables. This connects a specific hotel facility with the castle's former use.

Glassmaking and Historic Grain Storage

The glassmaking tradition offers another perspective on the town's history. The first glassworks in Herálec was built in 1604. In the 18th century, the town was known for producing sheet and mirror glass.

A historic granary, which also served as a manorial corn storehouse, dates from 1726. Together, these facts bring different aspects into focus: glass production and grain storage. They complement the architectural and church history with further topics to consider when choosing where to stay.

Planning Your Stay

The Boží muka in the northern part of Herálec are on a blue-marked hiking trail and about 500 m from the church. You can reach them by bicycle along an easily passable farm track. Parking is available at the church or on a paved road about 200 m from the monument. Check local road conditions before setting out.

Chateau Herálec is 7 km from the D1 motorway. The stated exits are 90 Humpolec and 104 Větrný Jeníkov. Together with the monuments and buildings described, this practical location and travel information offers different points of reference for planning your visit—whether you are especially interested in religious buildings, castle history, the glassmaking tradition or getting around locally.

Discover more destinations: Jitkov, Prosíčka, Zvěstovice, Skorkov, Jedlá, Nová Ves U Leštiny, Havlíčkova Borová, Ledec Nad Sázavou

See the broader travel guide: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.