Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav: Castle, Churches and Hluchov

The local attractions in Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav can be identified by specific features: these include the Renaissance Castle of Brandýs nad Labem, the churches of St. Wenceslas and St. Clement in Stará Boleslav, and the Hluchov protected area between the two towns. When looking for a hotel, you can decide what to prioritize based on whether architecture, religious history or nature matters most to you.

Renaissance Buildings and Churches

Brandýs nad Labem Castle is a significant Renaissance building with preserved sgraffito decoration, and was a favorite summer residence of Emperor Rudolf II. Since 2017, it has held the title of a national cultural monument. The park is also important when it comes to admission tickets: they include all-day admission to the park with its mazes. Since ticket inclusions may change, check what they cover before your visit.

The Brandýská Katovna offers another Renaissance connection. The building was probably constructed in the 16th century and has preserved sgraffito decoration. It is partially open to the public; the Katovna houses an exhibition on criminal and torture law and the executioner’s craft. The information that access is limited is important for planning your visit.

In Stará Boleslav, the churches of St. Wenceslas and St. Clement are designated as national cultural monuments. Inside St. Clement’s, Romanesque wall paintings depicting scenes from the legend of Saint Clement have been preserved. The artistic features mentioned here are therefore distinct: sgraffito decoration is preserved at the castle and the Katovna, while St. Clement’s has wall paintings with a religious subject.

Exhibition and Jewish History

The permanent exhibition at the Arnoldinovský dům presents the Brandýs region as a mosaic. Its content may change; check which topics are currently on display before your visit. The Jewish Cemetery in Brandýs nad Labem offers a different historical perspective: it contains 915 tombstones dating from 1572 to 1942. The cemetery was established in 1568 and expanded several times, most recently at the end of the 19th century. The dates therefore refer to different things: the establishment of the cemetery and the period covered by the tombstones.

Hluchov and the Bathing Area

Hluchov was designated as a specially protected area in the Natural Monument category in 1995. The area is a fragment of a floodplain forest between Brandýs nad Labem and Stará Boleslav. The protected area is a remnant with typical floodplain forest flora and fauna; typical floodplain forest communities are also preserved in Hluchov in the valley floodplains of large rivers. The natural features therefore include both the forest fragment and its communities.

Proboštský rybník is used as a natural bathing area. Swimming conditions and access may change; check these before your visit. This lets you distinguish between the nature aspect of your stay and a swimming visit that depends on current conditions.

Opening Hours and Activities

During the published 2026 operating period, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and its ambits are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sightseeing and private prayer. Since opening hours and operating periods depend on the date, check the information before your trip.

The free mobile escape game “Boleslav I – from murder to power” starts at the Basilica of St. Wenceslas. The activity may be withdrawn, so check whether it is available during your stay. The Svatý Václav boat carries bicycles and strollers, and dogs are also allowed on board. Onboard rules may change; confirm the carriage conditions in advance if they are important for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Máslovice, Všestary, Kostelec Nad Cernými Lesy, Kaliště, Jenštejn, Veliš, Přezletice, Veliká Ves.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.