Hostivice

Beyond Prague’s bustling heart lies Hostivice, a town interwoven with history and nature. Hostivice beckons you to explore its charming streets and uncover its rich past. Hostivice first appeared in historical records in 1277. However, the story begins earlier with Břve, a part of Hostivice, mentioned as early as 1184. Imagine the small village growing, evolving, eventually merging with Litovice and Jeneček in 1849, then with Hostivice in 1950. Finally, in 1978, Hostivice officially became a town. Hostivice’s heart beats around its central square, dominated by the Church of Saint James the Great. Originally a Gothic structure from the 13th or 14th century, it has been transformed over the centuries into its current form. Nearby stands Hostivice Castle, a Baroque masterpiece built between 1689 and 1697 for Countess Caretto-Millesimo. Later, in 1732-1734, Anna Maria Franziska of Saxe-Lauenburg completely rebuilt the castle and added a grand two-story granary. Today, this castle serves as Hostivice’s town hall. In the square’s center, a Baroque Marian column from 1734 stands as a testament to the town’s artistic heritage. Escape the city’s noise and venture to the Hostivice Ponds Nature Monument. This tranquil oasis, comprising three ponds fed by the Litovický Stream, is a sanctuary for rare and endangered plant and animal species. These ponds even played a vital role in history, supplying water to Prague Castle during the reign of Rudolf II. Hostivice also boasts modern connections. It’s conveniently located near Václav Havel Airport Prague and the D6 motorway to Karlovy Vary. The town is also a stop on the Prague–Kladno and Prague–Rudná railway lines, making it an accessible and intriguing destination. Hostivice invites you to discover its unique blend of history, nature, and modern convenience.