Markvartice U Sobotky: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Markvartice U Sobotky reveals its distinctive character through its architectural history, townscape, landscape and events. Its individual traces range from the medieval parish church to a Celtic cult site and a green-marked hiking trail.

Culture and History

St. Giles Church in Markvartice is documented as a parish church as early as 1348. It acquired its present appearance through a Baroque reconstruction in the second half of the 18th century. The church includes a mortuary chapel, which forms part of the St. Giles cultural monument complex; the entire complex is included in the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.

Historical traces have also been preserved in the built-up area of the village. Archaeological remains of a fortified manor mentioned around 1340 can be found there; it was abandoned after 1345. In addition, an early medieval settlement was identified in the village centre. Near the church there is also a preserved two-storey house with an arcaded gallery.

Southwest of Markvartice, the Celtic cult site at the location “V šancích” can be identified by its preserved ramparts. 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 described as the oldest known cross in 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. They were added to the list of monuments in 1996.

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

Another recurring highlight is Planta naturalis’s annual “Česká květnice” event. The cultivation areas can be visited independently or as part of guided tours with commentary. An exhibition of arranged meadow flowers is also regularly held.

Getting Around

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

To the overview of the wider travel region: Jičín District.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Prachov, Konecchlumí, Kumburský Újezd, Vysoké Veselí, Boháňka, Sekeřice, Rokytňany, Žeretice.