Český Brod: Architecture, History and Exhibitions

Český Brod brings together several themes that you can weigh differently when planning a stay: the architectural history of Kostel sv. Gotharda, historical exhibitions and the Údolím Šembery educational trail. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to consider your priorities: should architecture shape your stay, would you like to plan visits to history exhibitions, or are you interested in a more challenging route? Each theme raises different planning questions, since visiting opportunities, exhibition programmes and route information each have their own conditions.

Kostel sv. Gotharda: Several Building Phases

Kostel sv. Gotharda began as a single-nave Romanesque church dating from the mid-12th century. The church acquired its present Baroque appearance during a renovation based on a design by the renowned Prague architect Jan Josef Wirch, which took place from 1765 to 1772. The building thus brings together different periods: the renovation shaped its present appearance, while most of the medieval structures, architectural elements and stonework have been preserved despite historicising alterations. These include a late Gothic roof structure. If you are interested in architecture, you can therefore consider the church in terms of its Romanesque origins, Baroque transformation and preserved medieval substance.

The bell tower at Kostel sv. Gotharda was built in the second half of the 16th century as a Renaissance tower of sandstone blocks. It is currently not open to the public. The church interior, by contrast, is occasionally opened to the public; there are no fixed visiting hours. So if visiting the interior is important to you, check in advance whether it is due to be open rather than planning around a set time slot.

Exhibitions and Local History

The Podlipanské muzeum focuses on a range of historical topics. Its exhibitions cover the Battle of Lipany on 30 May 1434 and the Slavic hillforts in Pošembeří. Several seasonal exhibitions and accompanying programmes are also held there each year; individual events may change. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular exhibition or programme, check the current dates.

Other historical sites offer their own points of interest. The building of the original Stará radnice is first mentioned in 1402. Since 1998, Galerie Šatlava has served as a small exhibition space. Beneath Český Brod lie historic cellar complexes, probably built in the 14th century.

The Údolím Šembery Educational Trail

If you would like to include a route in your plans as well as exhibitions, consider the Údolím Šembery educational trail. Its more challenging route is about 11 km long and has 12 stops. The information board at the trail entrance is by the brewery grounds on Tuchorazská Street in Český Brod. As the signage may change, it is a good idea to check the current waymarking before setting off.

The different options also vary in what you should plan for in advance: for the church, bear in mind that access to the interior is only available occasionally; for seasonal exhibitions, check the relevant dates; and for the trail, consider its approximate length and number of stops. This will help you tailor your stay in Český Brod to your interests and plan suitable visits or activities.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Klášterní Skalice, Ratenice, Žiželice, Konárovice, Přišimasy, Vitice, Horní Kruty, Nová Ves-Ohrada.

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Kolín.