Rácovice – Village History, Chapel and Pond Landscape

Rácovice can be explored through two themes: the historic village center around the chapel and village square, and the ponds and Bihanka Valley. Buildings and local traditions offer insights into different periods—from a possibly medieval fortress to buildings dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. When planning your trip, you can connect this local history with the surrounding landscape.

Chapel, Village Square and Notable Buildings

The Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a prominent feature of the village square. Built in 1901, it stands on a grassy area in the center of the village, right next to the pond. The historic village center and the area around the village square also include a public green space with landscaped grounds. A cast-metal cross stands immediately in front of the chapel. The wayside cross at the chapel is registered as a cultural monument under number 18117/7-3096. It stands on a stone plinth, has cloverleaf finials and a cast-iron corpus of Christ. At its base is a 19th-century relief of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Other historic landmarks include a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk from the first half of the 18th century and a historic granary that is a defining feature of the farm next to the pond. The chapel, statue and granary reveal different aspects of the village’s character: sacred architectural history, a dated monument and the farm’s traditional agricultural use.

Building History and Local Traditions

By the mid-14th century, Rácovice probably already had a stone fortress, or one was under construction. This early date is explicitly uncertain. According to local tradition, escape passages from the fortress ran beneath the front section of the former sheepfold; the passages have not been extensively studied. The former sheepfold was converted into a residential building in 1896. The tradition about the passages and the documented conversion of the building are thus two different historical aspects of the same structure.

Paths are also part of the village layout: two locally significant paths intersect in Rácovice. Together with the historic buildings, they offer several starting points for taking in the village, without implying that the paths themselves are designated hiking or cycling routes.

Ponds, Valley and Paths

Rácovický Pond lies in the middle of the Bihanka Valley. A cascade of ponds was created around 1700 along the left-hand side of the forest as far as Dědice. Another historical reference concerns the pond below Křivánky: it was once used for fish farming, and fish holding ponds were located below its dam. These details offer different perspectives on the waters: their location in the valley, a historic pond system and their former use for fish farming.

The existing network of field and farm tracks can also be used to some extent by pedestrians and cyclists. For specific planning, check local path conditions; this does not imply that designated recreational routes are available. If you would like to explore Rácovice on foot or by bike, you can consider these paths as a limited option and confirm your route locally.

Getting There and Finding Hotels

No České dráhy trains currently stop at Rácovice station (as of August 24, 2026). Check the current timetable before you travel, as rail services may change. Compare the location details of a specific offer with your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Pálovice, Nimpšov, Vícenice U Náměště Nad Oslavou, Bransouze, Bochovice, Lukov, Litovany, Hodov

For the main travel overview: Okres Třebíč.