Brňany: Castle, Chapel and the Ohře

Brňany lies in the Elbe Lowlands on the left bank of the Ohře. The castle complex, chapel and river landscape offer several concrete points of interest for a stay. Three aspects are particularly useful when planning your trip: the town’s history, the chapel’s architecture and its connection to the Ohře and its side channels. The castle and chapel represent different aspects of the cultural heritage, while the riverside setting and agriculture show other sides of the place.

Location and landscape

Two oxbow lakes of the Ohře lie within the cadastral area of Brňany: one toward Bohušovice, the other toward Brozany. The fertile soils around Brňany provide the basis for intensive agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grain and vegetables. The river channels and farming thus offer two distinct landscape features: on the one hand, the waterways; on the other, the use of the land. The directions toward Bohušovice and Brozany distinguish the two oxbow lakes; Brňany itself is located on the left bank of the Ohře.

Castle complex and local history

Brňany Castle is a cultural monument. The protected castle complex includes a granary, barns, stables, livestock barns, a former garden and an orchard; a perimeter wall encloses the grounds. The protected site therefore comprises a complex of farm buildings and garden areas, not just the castle itself.

Brňany was first mentioned in 1057 in the founding charter of the Litoměřice Chapter. In 1226, the village came into the possession of Doksany Monastery. In 1436, it passed into the possession of the town of Litoměřice; in 1551, Doksany Monastery bought it back. The year 1057 marks the first mention, while the later dates indicate a succession of changes in ownership.

Chapel and building history

The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint John of Nepomuk dates from 1723. It is a small, square building with a semicircular apse and a polygonal—that is, many-sided—bell turret. It was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. The date of construction and the rebuilding therefore refer to two distinct phases. Services are held in the chapel on the first Saturday of every month and conducted by Premonstratensians from Doksany. If you plan to attend a service, check the date in advance, as religious schedules may change.

The two cultural monuments offer different points of interest: the castle’s protected complex, including its farm buildings and gardens, takes centre stage, while the chapel is distinguished by its construction date, Neo-Gothic remodelling and monthly service. The ensemble of buildings and the religious building can thus be understood as different facets of local history.

Fishing, cycling and the surrounding area

The Ohře and its side channels offer opportunities for fishing in Brňany. Access conditions and regulations may change, so check the current rules before fishing. A path along the Ohře is increasingly popular with cyclists because of its beautiful natural surroundings. Fishing refers to the river and its side channels; cycling takes place along a path beside the river.

The significant Terezín Memorial is located in the vicinity of Brňany. It complements the local cultural monuments with a regional place of remembrance. For orientation, it is helpful to distinguish their locations: the castle and chapel are in Brňany itself, while Terezín is a destination in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Ploskovice, Habrina, Černěves, Záluží U Roudnice Nad Labem, Michalovice U Velkých Žernosek, Polepy, Lkáň, Travčice.

For the main travel overview: Litoměřice District.