Nalžovice: Nature Reserve, Circular Trail and Baroque Architecture

In Nalžovice, natural attractions in the Moldau Valley meet Baroque and older buildings. When looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on the marked educational trail, architectural history, or both. The Drbákov–Albertovy skály Nature Reserve defines the natural side of the area, while the château, chapel, church and other historic traces offer specific points of interest for its cultural side.

Nature Reserve and Educational Trail in the Moldau Valley

In the cadastral area of Nalžovice, the Drbákov–Albertovy skály National Nature Reserve lies on the right-hand side of the middle Moldau Canyon, between the Oboz and Častoboř recreation centres. The protected area preserves rocky slopes with natural forests, where the European yew grows, as well as rocky steppes with rare and endangered species. Forest, rock and open steppe areas are therefore among the reserve’s defining natural features.

There is a specific rule for visitors: to protect nature and ensure visitor safety, only the marked educational trail may be used on the steep slopes. The Drbákov–Albertovy skály educational trail is a circular route with eleven stops featuring information boards and viewpoints over the Moldau Valley. Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find a clearly described circular route where information about nature and scenic views are part of the same trail.

Château, Park and Baroque Buildings

The Baroque château in Nalžovice acquired its present form between 1750 and 1760. The château complex includes a large park in a shallow valley, enclosed by a stone perimeter wall. The free-standing Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows stands on the north side of the central château park. It was altered after a fire in the 19th century. The château, park and chapel thus offer different points of interest for the history of the area’s architecture.

The château is currently used as a social care facility for girls with intellectual disabilities. St Wenceslas Church can be reached from the adjacent village square via a striking Baroque staircase decorated with statues. The staircase is itself a prominent feature of the approach to the church. Together with the free-standing château chapel, it shows that Baroque architecture in Nalžovice is not limited to the château.

Historic Traces in the Townscape

The Slavic hillfort site “Na Hradě” is marked by limited traces in the terrain. A transverse rampart separated the inner fort from the outer bailey; the structure of a gate is also visible. Further traces of fortifications lie on the slopes. The evidence of the site therefore consists of a rampart, a gate structure and traces in the terrain—a different kind of historical impression from the surviving buildings in the village.

Smaller buildings also add to the picture. The Boží muka wayside shrine is a masonry pillar shrine with a small chapel at the top, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century. The rectory in Nalžovice is a Renaissance building that was remodelled in the Baroque period. The rectory complex includes a large, landscaped courtyard, a barn and a perimeter wall with separate gates for vehicles and pedestrians. These varied details make architectural forms and the history of how the buildings were used a distinct focus alongside the nature of the Moldau Valley.

Distinguishing the Cycling Route from the Circular Trail

For cyclists, the 20-kilometre cycle route 8132 runs from Vojkov to Křepenice via Chlum and Nalžovice. It offers a different way to include Nalžovice in an activity than the circular trail in the nature reserve: the cycle route connects several places, while the educational trail is designed as a circular route with information boards and viewpoints. When planning your stay, you can therefore choose between a regional cycling connection and an educational nature trail with a set route.

Discover more destinations: Radíč, Drahlín, Sedlčany, Procevily, Prčice, Modřovice, Suchodol, Pičín.

For the overview of the wider area, see: Okres Příbram.