Hojanovice – Valley and Local History

Hojanovice combines a striking valley landscape with tangible traces of local history. The village extends along three sides of a secluded, deep valley. A chapel, a stone cross, and the history of the volunteer fire brigade provide distinct cultural and historical points of interest. If you choose a destination based on its landscape or local heritage, Hojanovice offers something for both interests.

Landscape and surroundings

The valley of Hojanovice lies above the reservoir of the Švihov Dam. The Švihov (Želivka) area is part of the Želivka European Site of Community Importance. This brings together different landscape features: the shape of the valley at the village and the protected-area designation of the Švihov (Želivka) area. When choosing a destination, you can consider these landscape features separately from the village’s individual cultural and historical sites. The deep valley describes the village’s physical setting; at the stone cross in V Osinách, by contrast, the landscape is seen in the view across the reservoir and Ježov. The village’s setting and this specific viewpoint thus offer two distinct perspectives on the surroundings.

Chapel and local history

The first written mention of Hojanovice dates to 1318. At that time, the village was recorded as a possession of the Želiv estate. Another chapter in the village’s history can be seen at the chapel in the lower village square: it stands in the middle of the square, has a simple prismatic design, was built after 1858, and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the spring of 1948, the replacement bell was installed and consecrated together with the chapel. The dates therefore mark different historical references, from the earliest written mention to the later construction of the chapel and an event at the chapel in the 20th century.

Fire brigade history and hand-pump fire engine

The Hojanovice Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded on September 7, 1902. This aspect of local history also includes a restored hand-pump fire engine, used as a unique museum piece during demonstrations and drills. The founding date and the equipment offer two tangible points of connection: the history of the fire brigade as an organization and its historic equipment. If you would like to see the hand-pump fire engine in action, check before your trip whether a demonstration or drill is scheduled.

Stone cross and getting there

A stone cross dating from 1885 stands by the road in V Osinách. From there, you can enjoy a view of the reservoir and Ježov. The cross combines a specific historical date with a particular landscape view, setting it apart from the chapel in the lower village square. The state road from Ledeč nad Sázavou to Humpolec also passes through Hojanovice. Bus services serve all settlements in the Hojanovice area. Check the current timetable before setting out to confirm your specific bus connection.

Discover more destinations: Vysoká Lhota, Čelistná, Žirov, Kletecna, Lhota-Vlasenice, Sudkuv Dul, Křešín, Hořepník

For the broader travel overview: Pelhřimov District.