Discover Ondrejov: Observatory and Local History
Accommodation in Ondrejov
Ondřejov brings together astronomy and a distinctive interest in architectural history. The observatory, the local trails, and historic buildings offer different starting points for planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Ondřejov, you can first consider whether you want to focus mainly on astronomy, architectural history, or outdoor activities. The following features of the town can help you distinguish between these interests.
The Observatory on Manda Hill
Ondřejov Observatory has stood on Manda Hill above the town for more than a hundred years. Its grounds are open to the public. Visitor arrangements may change seasonally; check the latest information before your visit. The yellow- and red-marked hiking trails run directly through the grounds, so you can take the location and trail routes into account together when planning.
From the visitor gallery, you can see the largest telescope in the Czech Republic, with a two-metre-diameter mirror. The two-metre telescope is called Perkův dalekohled. Gallery visitor arrangements may vary; check the latest information in advance. During a guided tour, an exhibition on the observatory’s development is shown in a historic dome. Details of the tour programme may change seasonally.
The Cosmic Laboratory building houses an exhibition about meteor observation. During events, the meteor research group organizes guided tours of its exhibition on bolide observation. Exact event dates are announced separately.
The astronomy exhibits have different focuses: the telescope is presented as an instrument, the dome exhibition covers the observatory’s development, and the exhibition in the Cosmic Laboratory explores meteor observation. This can help you decide in advance whether you are more interested in the telescope, the history of the observatory, or meteors.
Architectural History in the Square
The Church of St. Simon and St. Jude (Kostel sv. Å imona a Judy) is a Romanesque building that was given a Baroque makeover in 1668. The church is accompanied by a rectory in the Baroque urban style, built between 1778 and 1780. Two Baroque statues of Saint Andrew and Saint John of Nepomuk stand in the square. On the southern side of the square is house no. 15, an example of a Baroque Central Bohemian farmstead.
For an architectural-history perspective, the details can be distinguished by period and building type: the church was given a Baroque makeover in 1668, while the rectory was built more than a century later. The statues and rectory illustrate Baroque design in different ways, while house no. 15 represents the rural architecture of Central Bohemia.
Cycling Routes and Nature
In addition to the observatory and buildings, Ondřejov also offers cycling and nature experiences. Cycling routes belonging to Ladův kraj pass through the town. A forest walk in Ondřejov focuses on the relationships between plants and animals. These are different kinds of experiences: the cycling routes are for exploring by bike, while the walk draws attention to ecological connections. Depending on whether you prefer cycling or exploring relationships in nature, these themes may be useful when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Polerady, Kostelec Nad Cernými Lesy, DobroÄovice, Kostelec U KřÞků, Brázdim, Mirosovice, Svojetice, Svémyslice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.
