Doubrava: Stonemasonry History and Culture

Doubrava is shaped in particular by its history of stone quarrying and sculpture. A former castle site, a historic stone cross and nearby Vlčí skála add cultural history and climbing to the mix. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Doubrava, these different interests may play a part in your planning.

Sandstone and Sculpture

Historically, Doubrava was known for quarrying fine-grained white and yellow stone, which was especially prized by sculptors. There were two quarries in the village; quarrying extended to the edges of the houses standing there. This connection between stone and village history is also reflected in how the material was used: sandstone from Doubrava was used, among other things, for the Jan Žižka monument on Gothard Hill, Šaloun’s Krakonoš and the statue of Saint George in Miletín. These three works are examples of the different kinds of sculptures for which the stone was used.

The historic connection with Hořice is another part of the village’s story. The road from Panský mlýn to Doubrava was built in 1853–1854 to improve the connection between Doubrava and Hořice.

Buštěhrad Castle and Historic Routes

Buštěhrad Castle, also known as Pustohrad, stood in the vicinity of Doubrava. It existed from the mid-13th century until its destruction in the course of the 15th century, when it was destroyed by fire. The western section of its perimeter fortifications survives. At this site, the castle’s long history and a tangible remnant of its fortifications can be seen side by side.

The route to Buštěhrad branches off the road onto a forest track. At a crossroads, it continues along a small sunken lane and across a meadow before re-entering the forest, passing a large disused quarry. If you plan to take this route, check the conditions before your visit.

The remains of a vaulted stone bridge can also be found near Doubrava. It was built in 1872 to replace an older wooden bridge. The bridge adds to the history of the castle and stonemasonry a structure whose date and predecessor are also known.

Monuments in the Village

A stone cross with Christ stands at the edge of Doubrava’s village green. It was erected in 1853 at the expense of the married couple Josef and Františka Antoš of Doubrava, and blessed in 1854 by Father Leden of Hořice. If you would like to see the cross in particular, check its condition on site.

Climbing at Vlčí skála

Near Doubrava lies Vlčí skála, a former sandstone quarry with climbing routes ranging from easy to more challenging grades. The rock face is approximately 12–14 metres high. This gives climbing enthusiasts both an approximate height and a range of difficulty grades. The site’s former use as a quarry and its present-day description as a climbing rock give it two different connections to sandstone: its former extraction and the routes on the rock face.

The destinations around Doubrava differ not only in subject matter: at Buštěhrad, the castle remains and the route described are the focus, while at Vlčí skála, it is the climbing routes and the height of the rock face. The history of stonemasonry, in turn, connects the village with the sculptures mentioned above. These differences can help you decide which interests matter for your trip and your search for a hotel in Doubrava.

Discover more travel destinations: Petrovičky, Markvartice U Sobotky, Parezska Lhota, Záhuby, Vidochov, Mlynec, Dolní Lochov, Vřesník

For the main travel overview: Okres Jičín.