Vrbičany: Castle, Culture and Walking Routes

Vrbičany focuses on castle history and culture, complemented by opportunities for outdoor activities. These different highlights may be useful when choosing a destination: the castle represents late Baroque architecture, while the avenue and cycling route reveal other aspects of the surrounding area. If you are planning a stay, it is worth considering the sights and how to get there separately; the walking directions have different starting points.

Vrbičany Castle and Its History

Vrbičany Castle was built between 1786 and 1789 and is late Baroque in style. The building has one storey, while the projecting central section has two. The contrast between the single-storey main structure and the taller central section makes the building’s layout a distinctive feature alongside its date. Those interested in architecture can consider the construction period and the building’s form as two separate aspects of the castle’s history.

The castle had an English and a French garden. These two historic garden styles extend the view beyond the castle building to the estate’s former design. There is also a gloriette, or garden pavilion, next to the castle. Together with the documented garden styles, it draws attention to the historic estate’s landscape and architectural features.

Art and Buildings in the Town

The castle is currently apparently home to the largest exhibition of historic prams in the Czech Republic. It includes more than 222 exhibits from the collections of Hanka Müllerová and Eva Vaněčková. The exhibition thus offers another perspective alongside the castle’s architecture, focusing on historic everyday objects and the two collections. Exhibition details may change; check the current display before your visit.

Vrbičany is also home to a Neoclassical niche chapel dating from the first half of the 19th century. The contrast between the late Baroque castle and the Neoclassical chapel can be seen in their styles and time periods: the castle was built between 1786 and 1789, while the chapel dates from a later era. The municipality therefore offers two distinct historic buildings, each of which can be understood through its architecture.

Outdoor Activities

The avenue towards Tělohunt offers a different focus from the buildings. The municipality of Vrbičany has renovated the avenue as far as the landfill and installed outdoor fitness equipment there. Visitors can work out along the avenue while enjoying views of the Central Bohemian Uplands. Exercise and landscape views come together here as a distinct consideration when planning a stay.

A cycling route also leads to the municipality: the 25.5-kilometre route passes through Doksany and the surrounding area, then follows a six-kilometre section with only a gentle incline to Vrbičany. The total distance and the section length provide different points of reference for planning the ride. Visitors can also try washing Bohemian garnets in the castle park. As this activity may not always be available, check before travelling whether it is being offered during your visit.

Getting to the Castle

The walking routes to the castle described here have different starting points. From Chotěšov pod Házmburkem railway station, the official route continues for another four kilometres on foot. If travelling by bus, get off in Vrbičany and then walk another 600 metres to the castle. The distances should therefore be considered according to the mode of transport: the walk from the railway station is given as four kilometres, while the walk after taking the bus to Vrbičany is 600 metres. Check current connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Ploskovice, Travčice, Lkáň, Polepy, Chotiněves, Levín, Litoměřice-Město, Krabčice.

For the broader travel overview: Litoměřice District.