Discover Břasy

When planning a trip to Břasy, you can focus on the topics that interest you most: historic buildings, mining and industrial history, landscapes, and recreation by the water. The destinations differ both in their historical significance and in their visiting conditions.

History among crypts, railways and mining

The Sternberg Crypt was built in 1827 in the pure Empire style. It is the burial place of Kašpar Maria hrabě ze Šternberka, regarded as one of the founders of palaeobotany. The crypt’s architectural history thus sits alongside a specific connection to the history of science. One important point for visitors: the crypt is opened only for special occasions. So do not count on regular access, and check before your trip whether it is scheduled to open.

The Stupno Railway Museum was ceremonially opened on Saturday, 7 September 2024. It is dedicated to the history of the local railway from Chrást to Radnice. While the crypt connects architecture and biography, the museum focuses on railway history. Since visitor arrangements may change, check current visiting options before making firm plans for your trip.

The Naučná stezka po stopách důlní činnosti na Břasku (Educational Trail Following the Traces of Mining in the Břasy Area) also explores mining and industrial history. Its subject is the many remains of mining and industrial operations around Břasy, Stupno, Kříše, Vranovice and Darová. At the start of the route, the Bašta Natural Monument offers a view of a preserved remnant of the mighty upper Radnice seam of high-quality hard coal. Here, a specific geological relic meets the broader theme of mining and industrial history.

Landscapes, water and special places

Vranovice Lake was formed when areas mined underground were flooded with groundwater. Today, the lake is used for recreation, swimming and fishing. Its area is about 1.2 hectares, and its maximum length and width are approximately 180 × 100 metres. These figures together give an idea of the lake’s size. Its formation connects mining history with its present-day use for recreation by the water.

The Kamenný kruh Hovězák (Hovězák Stone Circle) consists of eight stones around the edge. There is a place to sit and meditate in the centre. The arrangement makes the stone circle’s layout easy to grasp; it also offers an almost complete panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The stone circle can be reached on foot from Vranovice or Újezd u Sv. Kříže and is not accessible by car. Plan to walk there, and check the trail conditions before your visit, as they may change.

The “Na Vrchách” observation tower was built in 2013 beyond Břasy, in the direction of Liblín. These place names locate the tower in relation to the two landmarks.

The Ultramarinka leisure centre also brings together the present and the past: the site was originally home to an ultramarine factory. The leisure centre has obstacle features for cyclists. Its themes therefore include both the site’s former industrial use and an activity for cyclists.

The historical themes are easy to distinguish when planning your visit: the crypt combines Empire architecture with a notable figure from the history of science, the museum is dedicated to the local railway, and the trail covers mining and industrial remains. Consider which of these topics you would most like to shape your stay, so you can plan your trip around your own interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stupno, Všenice, Mešno, Mirošov U Rokycan, Hlohovice, Kařez, Litohlavy, Kamenný Újezd

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rokycany.