The District of Jicin

The District of Jicin is located in Eastern Bohemia, approx. 100 km NE of Prague. It covers an area of approx. 886 sq.km. and with a population of less than 78,000 ranks among the smallest in the larger region.

It is divided into 111 boroughs with 363 inhabited sites, and together with other 10 districts was part of the former Eastern Bohemian land (an equivalent of a shire). The statistics gives the following figures: the average age of 38.1, unemployment rate of 5.15% , business earnings, local incomes and the investment in construction are among the lowest in the region, if not in the country. There are 6 towns in the district: Horice, Jicin, Kopidlno, Lazne Belohrad, Nova Paka and Sobotka.

Several landscape systems merge on the territory of the district: The plains around the river Labe (Elbe) are on the south, the Krkonose foothills are on the north-east and the majority of the district is covered by the Jicinska pahorkatina hillside, with bizarre sandstone rock formations frequently found on the north-west, the Prachov rocks being the best known. A large part of the district is included in the Cesky raj ("Bohemian Paradise") National Reserve declared in 1952 as the first Czech large-scale site, and a number of local natural reserves are found throughout the district.

A mine with the purest sand used for optical glass production in Europe lies on the north-west of the district. Other famous producer in the district is the Brewery in Nova Paka. Traditional local cakes are made in Horice. "Autocross" competitions are held in Stikov, near Nova Paka, spa resorts for locomotor tract treatment are in Zeleznice and Lazne Belohrad, an archaeological site of highest priority in the country is the Cesovske valy (a large vallum near Cesov), and the famous prison in Valdice is within walking distance from Jicin.

The district is also famous for its national heritage. There are countless sculptures of the saints and Holy Crosses in the whole area, and over 80 churches can be seen all around the district, some of them with valuable architecture. There are a number of mediaeval castles and fortifications in the larger area, the most important on the territory of the district being Kost and Pecka.

The most attractive is the countryside of the region, offering marvellous views and providing comfortable relaxation. The region is ideal for cross-country walking and bicycling and accommodation is offered in many guest houses and small hotels.


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