Pnovany: Chapel, Railway Bridge and Hracholuský Reservoir

Pnovany combines sacred architectural history with a striking railway landmark and the excursion area around Hracholuský Reservoir. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the historical sights in the town from the activities in the reservoir area.

Chapel and pilgrimage

The Chapel of St. Anne Samotřetí in Pňovany dates back to the Gothic period. On October 19, 2019, it reopened and was solemnly consecrated after 14 years of restoration work. Its historical points of reference therefore span from the Gothic period to a precisely dated restoration in 2019. The chapel is a branch church of the Nýřany parish. The St. Anne pilgrimage is also one of the traditional events in Pňovany. Its architectural history, ecclesiastical affiliation and pilgrimage thus offer different points of interest for travelers interested in sacred history.

Chateau and Jewish cemetery

The Baroque chateau dates from the mid-18th century; it was designated a cultural monument in 1958 and 1964. The Jewish cemetery in Pňovany is also protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It lies in a forest south of the town, beyond the Hracholuský Stream. Together, the two sites show that the town’s cultural profile is not limited to sacred architectural history: the chateau and cemetery represent different historical perspectives.

The Pňovany Bridge and its history

The Pňovany Bridge is a railway bridge over Hracholuský Reservoir on the line from Pňovany to Bezdružice. Construction began in 1899 and was fully completed in 1901. These dates are part of the history of the railway connection; the bridge’s height changed later as a result of changes to the landscape. When the valley was flooded by Hracholuský Reservoir in 1963, the bridge’s height was reduced to 37 meters. The structure thus offers a way to trace both railway history around the turn of the century and the changes brought about by the flooding of the valley.

The timelines of the two structures differ considerably: the chapel dates back to the Gothic period, while the bridge’s construction began in 1899, was completed in 1901, and was later affected by the 1963 flooding. In this way, sacred history, railway engineering and landscape change come together.

Hiking, cycling and excursions at the reservoir

Hiking and cycling are popular in the Hracholuský Reservoir area. The nature trail is 7.4 km long; you can take this distance into account when planning your trip. Boat excursions are also offered at the reservoir. Since availability can vary, check before making plans.

Pňovany railway station is a useful reference point for getting there: the reservoir can be reached via the station, and from there you can continue on foot or by bicycle. Check transport connections before your trip. This will help you keep both your journey and activities in the reservoir area in mind when planning.

Discover more destinations: Vysoká Libyně, Druztová, Lochousice, Bdeneves, Horní Bělá, Líně, Holovousy, Bezvěrov

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.