Places of interest

In Hořice you can enjoy a pleasant day. Join us in exploring some interesting places.

1. Church of St. Catherine

The church is an important urban feature that significantly shapes the character of the town square’s buildings. Its mass is clearly visible in distant views of the town from practically all directions and surrounding hills, creating the characteristic panorama of the settlement.

2. Pillory from 1549

The tall stone late-Gothic pillory from 1549 served for the administration of justice in Hořice and neighbouring villages belonging to the Vyšší Brod monastery. On the base of the pillory two stone bowls are still placed today, which were used for measuring the tithe paid by the subjects.

3. Museum of the Passion Plays, the market town and radios

The Museum of the Passion Plays together with the museum of the market town was ceremonially opened on 20 June 2000. Among other things, the museum features a unique model of the original theatre building with a capacity of up to 2,000 spectators.

The museum is located in the cultural centre on the town square. In the same building you can also visit the Radio Museum.

4. Unique system of seven fountains

The system of seven fountains located on the square belongs among exceptional European water structures. The fountains served people instead of a water supply system as a source of drinking water and also for extinguishing fires.

In recent years the fountains have undergone a very careful and extensive restoration.

5., 6., 10., 11. Pleasant walk along the avenue, wayside shrine, Stations of the Cross and ruins of the pilgrimage chapel

An avenue of linden trees lines the road leading from the square toward the forest park and the Passion Theatre. The walk offers a quiet and pleasant route that connects the centre of the market town with the surrounding countryside. Especially in spring and summer it becomes a popular place for walks and relaxation.

The small wayside shrine standing near the road is one of the traditional religious landmarks of the area. Such shrines were historically built as expressions of faith, gratitude or remembrance and were a common part of the rural landscape.

The Stations of the Cross form a traditional devotional path depicting the final journey of Jesus Christ. Individual stations are placed along the route leading through the forest and are visited especially during Easter time.

In the forest above the town you can find the remains of a former pilgrimage chapel. Although only ruins have been preserved, the site still reflects the spiritual history of the region and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape

8. Passion Theatre

The open-air Passion Theatre is located in the forest park near the site of the original historical theatre. The modern stage blends naturally into the surrounding landscape and provides a setting for the annual performances of the Passion Plays.

You can also sit and relax in the amphitheater. You can learn a lot about the history of the theater in the information kiosk in front of the entrance.

If you wander here during the summer holidays, do not miss any of the Hořice Cultural Sommer Events or the Fairytale Reserve forest theatre performance.

A restaurant is open in the amphitheater during events.

Museum of the Passion Plays

The exhibition presents the history of the Hořice Passion Plays from their beginnings in the early nineteenth century to the present day. Visitors can see historical photographs, documents, costumes and stage props connected with the performances.
One of the most remarkable exhibits is a detailed model of the original theatre building, which once accommodated up to two thousand spectators.
The museum also documents the development of the town itself and its religious traditions.

Where to find the museum

The museum is located right in the center of the market town of Hořice na Šumavě, inside the cultural center.
Address: Hořice na Šumavě č.p. 200

GPS: 48.7651069N, 14.1761231E

Opening hours

The museum is open daily. Please arrange your visit with Mr. Winzig at the phone number: 606 571 714.