It referred to the red Permian formation that was uncovered here, and to the coloring of the local stream, which occurred during floods.

The highest point is the hill Končinský kopec at 530 m (1,740 ft) above sea level.

The preserved seal proves that Kostelec was referred to as a market town no later than from 1680.

[8] Since 1952, the town hosts the Červený Kostelec International Folklore Festival.

It was renewed in 1668 and rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1744–1754 based on plans of architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer.