Bohemian Paradise

A typical sight of natural interest in Bohemian Paradise is sandstone rocks bordering canyon shaped valleys of rivers and streams or creating large "rock towns". One of these is the National Park with the unique eco-system, Prachov Rocks. The second distinctive landscape feature of the mostly slightly undulating terrain of Bohemian Paradise is hills of volcanic origin. Their peaks often boast ruins of castles or small chapels looking down onto the scenery. Due to its rare natural values, this territory was declared the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area in 1955 and its geological uniqueness was confirmed in 2005 by being awarded the UNESCO Geopark statute.

The building activity of Count Schlick falls into the 17'” and 18”' centuries. He proceeded differently to Wallenstein's composition and his constructional interventions were more subordinated to the landscape character. He created Marian Garden with its central piece - Loreta on the peak area of the Velis ridge. The Baroque composition of the western environs of Jicfn is finished off with small structures - chapels, crosses, statues of saints, but also churches rebuilt in the Baroque style.

The poetic face of the landscape is enhanced with historic sights - castles, chateaux, churches, chapels and statues as well as urbanistic complexes of towns and villages.

Jicin - an entry gateway to Bohemian Paradise is the town conservation area. It had been founded as a royal town before 1304. Among the Baroque buildings on the square stands out Wallenstein Castle with three arcade courtyards. It is a seat of the Regional Museum and Gallery. Nearby is located the Church of St. Jacob,