Markvartice U Sobotky: Hotels and Accommodations

In Markvartice U Sobotky, local history, natural monuments, and cultural events come together. The evidence ranges from the medieval church to archaeological traces, a Celtic place of worship, and a green-marked hiking trail.

History and Culture

St. Giles Church in Markvartice is documented as a parish church as early as 1348. It acquired its present form through a Baroque reconstruction in the second half of the 18th century. The church also includes a mortuary chapel; the entire cultural monument complex of St. Giles Church is listed among the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.

Since 2009, the Church of St. Giles has hosted concerts such as “Hudba z ráje,” “Noc kostelů,” and an Advent concert, as well as other cultural events that support the preservation of the church.

Within the built-up area of Markvartice are archaeological remains of a fortress mentioned around 1340 and abandoned after 1345; an early medieval settlement has also been identified in the town center. Near the church stands a preserved two-storey house with an arcaded gallery.

Southwest of Markvartice, the Celtic place of worship can be recognized by preserved ramparts at a site called “V šancích.” The ramparts are aligned so that sunrises and sunsets along their axes indicate the dates of the equinoxes, solstices, and Celtic festivals. The Markvartice Atonement Cross is considered the oldest known cross in the Český ráj.

Nature and Events

The Markvartické lípy lime trees were planted along the wall at the beginning of the 18th century, at the same time as the church was built. In 1996, they were entered on the list of monuments.

The annual “Česká květnice” event organized by Planta naturalis allows visitors to tour the growing areas either independently or on guided tours. An exhibition of arranged meadow flowers is also regularly held as part of the event.

Hiking Trail

A green-marked hiking trail runs through Markvartice from Sobotka toward Staré Hrady and Libáň.

Other places: Slavhostice, Podkost, Podhorni Ujezd A Vojice, Miletin, Žlunice, Sběř, Bříšťany, Záhuby

To the broader travel overview: Jičín District.