Kladníky: Chapel, Windmill and Cycling Route

Kladníky lies in the valley of the Šišemka River and on the southeastern slopes of the Maleník Massif. Local history can be traced through the Chapel of the Visitation, the former windmill and references to a fortress; at the same time, the Záhorská cycling route passes through the village on its circuit. Cultural and historical sites and a cycling stage offer different perspectives for planning your trip.

The Chapel and Religious Monuments

The Chapel of the Visitation was built in 1925 on the site of a bell tower that had been erected in 1848. The chapel was consecrated on September 13, 1925. The dates refer to different structures: 1848 to the bell tower, and 1925 to the construction and consecration of the chapel. A plaque commemorating those who fell in the First World War is attached to the chapel; a statue of Saint Anthony stands directly beside it.

Religious monuments also stand at the village exits. In the direction of Hlinsko is a statue of Jesus Christ, and in the direction of Lhota, a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. A wooden cross stands at the exit toward Bezuchov and Šišma. There is also a statue of Our Lady of Hostýn by the windmill. These monuments can therefore be found both at individual local structures and at the exits mentioned above.

The Former Windmill

The former wooden windmill in Kladníky dates from 1829. Its interior was transferred to the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm in 1983. The mill’s framework was completely destroyed due to inadequate maintenance. It is therefore important to distinguish the building from its interior: the interior was transferred to Rožnov, while the framework was destroyed.

The windmill was protected as an immovable cultural monument from May 3, 1958, to August 28, 2008; this protection is no longer in effect. The period of protection is therefore part of the building’s history and should be distinguished from its original construction date. Together with the transfer of the interior and the destruction of the framework, these details represent different stages in the windmill’s history.

Local History and the Fortress

The history of Kladníky begins in the second half of the 14th century. The local fortress fell into ruin during the Thirty Years’ War. Its location is believed to have been in the northern part of the village, near houses No. 4 and 5; the site was formerly called “Zámčisko.” Its location has not been confirmed archaeologically. The supposed location and former name help provide historical context without treating the suspected site as a confirmed fortress location.

The Záhorská Cycling Route

The Záhorská cycling route is a loop that runs from Lipník nad Bečvou through Kladníky and back to Lipník nad Bečvou. It is approximately 39 kilometers long and is best suited to trekking bikes. This gives you a clear idea of the route’s length and the type of bike recommended. If you include the route in your travel plans, check the current route and signage before setting off, as both may change.

When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up different interests: the chapel and local religious monuments, the history of the former windmill, or a cycling route that passes through Kladníky. The historical details range from the chapel and bell tower to the fortress and the windmill’s protected status. The cycling route complements the village’s history with a distinct, clearly defined way to include Kladníky in a longer loop.

For an overview of the wider area, see: Přerov District.