Ždírec: Church and Baroque Monuments
Accommodation in Ždírec
Ždírec has a distinct cultural focus: the Church of St. Wenceslas dominates the village square, complemented by two Baroque statues of saints. Cycling routes, bus connections and a natural monument in the surrounding area are also worth considering when planning your trip.
Key facts about Ždírec
The Church of St. Wenceslas is the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Ždírec. It is a prominent feature of the village square and is surrounded by a small park. Two cycling routes meet in the village; no marked hiking route passes through Ždírec.
What does the Church of St. Wenceslas tell us about the village?
A church in Ždírec is documented in writing from the 14th century; the Church of St. Wenceslas became a parish church before 1367. The present-day building is more recent: after the earlier church burned down completely in 1890, the current church was built on the site between 1893 and 1898. The Neo-Gothic design was created by master builder Josef Šupich from Havlíčkův Brod. The early history of the church and the construction of the current building thus represent two distinct historical periods.
The single-nave building has a five-sided chancel and has been protected as a cultural monument since 3 May 1958. Inside are an old organ and paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas. The current interior furnishings are more recent; only a large wooden cross and four stone tomb slabs remain from the original furnishings.
How can the Baroque monuments be distinguished?
The sandstone group of St. John of Nepomuk dates from 1743 and is attributed to Václav Viktor Morávek. The saint is depicted life-size. An angel holding a cross stands on the right; on the left, three putti hold a cartouche with a relief of the Madonna. The arrangement of the figures makes the group a detailed example of Baroque sculpture.
The statue of St. Anthony of Padua differs in material and form: it is made of granite, dates from 1753 and was created by the sculptor Václav Morávek from Polná. It stands in the western part of Ždírec at a road junction with turnoffs towards Střítež and Měšín. To compare the works, consider both the subject—a group versus a statue—and their different materials and dates.
What should you plan for routes and the surrounding area?
Two cycling routes meet in Ždírec. However, no marked hiking route passes through the village. As route alignments can change, it is advisable to check a current map before cycling. Bus services are listed towards Jihlava, Polná, Žďár nad Sázavou and Olomouc. Check the timetable for your planned travel date if you need a specific connection.
The Memorial Scots Pine is located nearby. It stands on a maintained grassy island in the fields to the left of the road from Ždírec to Polná, about 600 metres from the village. Check on site whether the pine can be accessed from the road and whether the surrounding land can be used. The tree is 11 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 235 centimetres; these measurements may change over time.
Discover more destinations: Vystrčenovice, Jezdovice, Nová Ríse, Panenska Rozsicka, Svojkovice, Jihlava, Strachoňovice, Cejle.
FAQ
How old is the current Church of St. Wenceslas?
The current building was constructed between 1893 and 1898, after the earlier church burned down completely in 1890. A church in Ždírec is documented in writing from as early as the 14th century.
How can the two Baroque statues of saints be distinguished?
The group of St. John of Nepomuk is made of sandstone, dates from 1743 and is attributed to Václav Viktor Morávek. The statue of St. Anthony of Padua is made of granite, dates from 1753 and was created by Václav Morávek from Polná.
Which bus destinations are listed for Ždírec?
Bus services are listed towards Jihlava, Polná, Žďár nad Sázavou and Olomouc. Check the timetable for your specific journey.
Go to the regional travel overview: Jihlava District.
