Pňovice: Village History and Floodplain Landscape

A stay in Pňovice is all about village history and the landscape. The village lies in a flat agricultural landscape in the Morava River floodplain, between the Hlavnice stream and the Oskava River. It also has historic buildings around the village square, as well as cultural and leisure activities ranging from traditional crafts to activities on the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Pňovice, you can use these differences as a starting point for planning: would you like to focus on getting to know the village’s appearance and history, or are you more interested in its club and event scene?

Landscape and Location

Part of Pňovice’s cadastral area extends into the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. Preserved floodplain forests and the meandering Morava River shape this area. The protected-area designation therefore applies to part of the cadastral area, not to the entire village. Together with the flat agricultural landscape and the two waterways mentioned above, this creates a clearly defined landscape.

Church, Rectory and Village Square

The Neoclassical Church of St. Wenceslas is a landmark on the historic village square; it was built in 1771. A historic rectory dating from 1773 stands near the church. At the end of the village square is a restored statue of St. John of Nepomuk, dating from 1860. The dates and locations help distinguish these three elements of the local cultural heritage.

History from the Fortress to Archaeology

The first surviving written mention of Pňovice dates from 1249 and refers to a medieval fortress, the seat of Vladik Oneš of Pňovice. In the 14th century, Pňovice belonged to the estate of the Lords of Sovinec. Jan Pňovský ze Sovince came from a branch of this family established in Pňovice and became captain of the town of Litovel.

Settlement in the area dates back further: the area around Pňovice was inhabited as early as the Neolithic and Hallstatt periods. Numerous archaeological finds from these and later periods are kept at the Vlastivědné Museum in Olomouc. The history of the village thus encompasses both the early settlement of its surroundings and the medieval fortress and later changes in landownership.

Culture and Events

At historical events, the Kirri Historical Society demonstrates traditional crafts. These include rope-making, pouch-making, tablet weaving, lucet work, arrow-making and historical cooking. The Pňovice brass band was formed in 1875, when headmaster Josef Řehák put together a small band of former military musicians. In summer, the band holds public rehearsals in Pňovice and neighboring municipalities. The 2023 Svatováclavské hody featured a concert by Trio Moraviensis in the Church of St. Wenceslas. If you are planning your trip around a cultural event, check the current program in advance.

The Oskava Cup Pňovice has also been held on specific occasions in the past. On May 26, 2018, teams of six competed in an event that included about 8 km of cycling on roads and dirt tracks, about 2 km of rafting, and crossing the Oskava from one bank to the other. In 2020, the Oskava Cup was held for the fifth time.

Fishing and Paddling on the Oskava

The Olšina pond is used for fishing, recreation and relaxing in nature. Rybáři Pňovice look after the pond and its surroundings, and organize fishing events and competitions for locals and visitors. Check the current fishing conditions locally; event dates and participation requirements may change.

On the Zlatonosná Oskava paddling route, the section in Pňovice runs through the reservoir area behind the power plant weir. Before the next low bridge, boaters must pull their boats ashore and carry them along the path below the power plant. Water levels, navigability and access conditions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Želechovice, Dolany, Štarnov, Mladeč, Přáslavice, Uničov, Majetín, Drahanovice.

Return to the main travel overview: Olomouc District.