Šaplava: History and Cycling Routes

Šaplava combines traces of the past with opportunities to spend time outdoors. If you are considering whether the town suits your planned hotel stay, you can weigh different interests: local history, events, or cycling and walks. Šaplava was first mentioned in writing in 1381. In addition, most of its historic buildings have been preserved. House No. 22 is a typical wooden home in Šaplava and offers a specific example of residential architecture that adds to the picture of the town’s history.

Historic Buildings and Monuments

One notable historic landmark is the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. It was erected in 1764 at the expense of local resident Jan Buček and is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic under registration No. 101778. A wooden bell tower with a bell was also erected beside the statue at the time. The statue of the Crucifixion, “Ukřižování,” dates from 1794. Its front bears the inscription “Tato štatuje je pozdvižena pro čest a chválu Boží,” carved in Schwabacher script. The two statues therefore highlight different details: for the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, the donor and monument registration are specified; for “Ukřižování,” the year it was made and its inscription are noted.

The monument to the victims of the First World War is also part of the town’s history. It was fully reconstructed in 2012. Together with the statues and the wooden home, it shows that Šaplava’s historical heritage is not limited to a single year or building.

Events at Different Times of Year

The Pouťový den (Pilgrimage Day) was held in Šaplava on July 6, 2024, and July 11, 2026. The July 2026 event included competitions and games for children, as well as a bouncy castle. The second Silvestrovský výšlap (New Year’s Eve Hike) took place in the area around Šaplava on December 31, 2024. The events mentioned therefore fall at different times of the year: Pouťový den was held on a day in July, while the hike took place at the turn of the year. If you would like to plan a trip around an event, check the dates for the year you have in mind.

Cycling and the Countryside

A cycling route suitable for trekking or road bikes runs through Šaplava along paved roads. There is also a rest stop for cycle tourists at the local sports field. Its paved area measures 9 × 6 metres and it has six benches and a cycling map. When planning a trip, you can distinguish this cycling information from other outdoor options: the route passes through the town, while walks and mushroom picking are described as activities in the surrounding area.

The Králický stream flows through Šaplava. The surrounding countryside is suitable for walks and mushroom picking. When choosing your destination, you can consider whether you would rather focus on historic buildings, a bike ride, or activities on foot. These interests do not share the same focus: the monuments and wooden home represent local history, the cycling route offers a paved ride, and the surrounding area is suited to walks and mushroom picking.

Another Historic Site Nearby

Beyond Šaplava, the Old Jewish Cemetery in Nový Bydžov is about 11 km from Šaplava. It was founded in 1520. For travellers interested in cultural history, this named site adds another nearby destination to the picture of Šaplava’s own historic buildings and monuments.

For the broader travel overview: Hradec Králové District.