Volanice – History and Architecture

For a trip focused on local history and architecture, Volanice offers several distinct points of interest. These include an educational trail, a protected heritage ensemble, a memorial, several log houses and a chateau with historic fabric. Each offers a different perspective: the educational trail follows a specific route, while the monuments, architectural forms and historic sites reveal the town in other ways. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you would rather follow a named route or focus on local history and architecture.

Volanice on the educational trail

On its return leg from Vysoké Veselí to Češov, the Češov–Vysoké Veselí educational trail passes through Volanice. This information about the direction is useful for planning your trip: Volanice lies on the described return leg. If you are interested in local history, you can use the route as an opportunity to explore the town’s architectural and historical features as well. This brings two perspectives together: the course of a named educational trail and the town’s own history. Volanice’s historical and architectural features can also be explored as a separate focus.

Monuments and architectural forms

The bell tower and the cross together form a protected heritage ensemble. Their joint protection makes the relationship between the two elements a particular point of interest. Beside the cemetery stands a memorial to those who fell in the First World War. It offers a different focus for remembrance than the ensemble. Several log houses are also among Volanice’s architectural features. This gives you the opportunity to compare different forms: a protected ensemble, a memorial to the fallen and log houses. The chateau adds Baroque architecture to this picture. Volanice thus offers several distinct features through which to explore local history and architectural forms.

Local history in several stages

The first written mention of Volanice dates from 1325, when Stojislav z Volanic lived there. The Volanský family owned the manor farm in Volanice until 1631. The name Volanice and the Volanka stream preserve the connection to this historic family. Thus, two names—the town’s and the stream’s—recall the same family history, while the manor farm provides another point of reference. The early mention and the history of ownership answer different questions: 1325 is associated with Stojislav z Volanic, while 1631 marks the end of the Volanský family’s ownership of the manor farm. These dates help divide the town’s history into distinct stages.

The chateau and its architectural history

The Baroque chateau was built around 1780 beside the farmstead; a fortress is believed to have stood on the site previously. The chateau has survived to this day almost in its original form. A notable detail is the reused Baroque caryatids from the former Jesuit residence in Sběř. Caryatids are architectural figures designed to serve as supports. This detail offers another perspective on the chateau: its architectural history includes both its largely preserved form and the story of a reused decorative feature. The chateau is currently privately owned. If you are planning a visit, please check access arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mlynec, Drevenice, Třtěnice, Ostroměř, Stav, Rašín, Liban, Rokytňany

For the regional travel overview: Okres Jičín.