Česká Skalice is a small village in the Upa valley, which she made famous in her book "Granunia" by Božena Němcová. Its part is the former village of Ratibořice with an 18th century hunting lodge.
In the past, there were two villages of Velka and Mala Skalice, divided by the Upa River. Their history dates back to medieval times. There was also a small castle, which was probably destroyed during the Thirty Years' War.
Today, the oldest monument in the village is the Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the Middle Ages, but owes its appearance to the reconstruction from the 18th century. There is also an inn from the beginning of the 19th century and an old school building from the same period.
In the minds of the Czechs, Česká Skalice is associated primarily with the figure of the 19th-century writer Božena Němcova. In her book, Granunia, she described the Ratiborice Castle, which is the greatest attraction of Česká Skalice, and the figure of its heiress. There is also a statue of the writer in the village, and the picturesque valley of Upa is called Babuni Valley.
A big attraction in the area is the artificial Rozkoš reservoir, which is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and anglers. There are also numerous hiking and cycling routes on its shores.
