Pochvalov – Forests, Nature and Village History

Pochvalov lies below the northeastern slopes of the Džbán Uplands, deep in the Křivoklátské Forests. The village landscape includes a small pond, a central Baroque chapel, and surroundings where woodland, protected nature and traces of local history come together. You can get to know Pochvalov from several perspectives: through its landscape, buildings and historical development.

Landscape and Nature

A local stream flows into a small pond. The Pochvalovská stráň National Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Pochvalov, about two kilometres east of the village. Open marl outcrops there are home to communities of bearberry and alpine boxwood. Other protected habitats include thermophilous shrubs, thermophilous oak forests, and ravine and scree forests.

An exposed marlstone wall is another geological feature of Pochvalovská stráň. It formed in Cretaceous sandy marl and was shaped by landslides. The landscape is defined not only by its vegetation and forests, but also by its rock formations and terrain. Those interested in nature and geology will find two distinct aspects of the same protected area here.

Local History and Buildings

In the village centre stands the Chapel of St. Procopius, Pochvalov’s most important—and only—cultural landmark. The large Baroque chapel on the village square has a tower with an onion dome, a rectangular nave, an apse-ended presbytery and a side sacristy. Its clearly identifiable architectural features make it a tangible reference point in the village’s architectural history.

The first written mention of Pochvalov dates from 13 July 1346. The village’s later history also includes a hard-coal deposit discovered beneath it. Deep mining at the Jiřina mine near Pochvalov ceased in the mid-20th century. Four traditional legends concern Pochvalov and its surroundings. Literature also takes up the forest theme: in Václav Beneš Třebízský’s historical novel Bludné duše, Pochvalov appears as a village almost overgrown by forests.

Nearby Buildings and Activities

Nearby Dřevíč is a fortified area of about eleven hectares on a flat, partly wooded summit of a spur of the Džbán range. The site is also home to the Baroque Church of St. Wenceslas, dating from the late 17th century. Another nearby historic site is the ruin of Pravda Castle, situated on a limestone spur between Domoušice and Pnětluky. Almost the entire perimeter wall has survived, along with masonry from the entrance gate, the palace and a building with a cellar.

The woodland edges and clearings around Pochvalov are ideal for recreation. The landscape is especially appealing to photographers and painters, and the forests offer seasonal mushroom-picking. No marked hiking trail passes through Pochvalov itself, but you can find blue- or red-marked trails nearby. As trail markings can change, check the latest directions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Kroučová, Nový Dům, Kounov, Zavidov, Kolešovice, Šanov, Řeřichy, Přílepy.

For the broader travel overview: Rakovník District.