Discover Český Brod: History, Museum and Educational Trail

Underground Traces and Historical Building Phases

Český Brod preserves historical traces beneath the town and in later buildings. The historic cellars beneath Český Brod were probably created in the 14th century. They add an underground part of the town’s history to the view of the town. The cellars therefore probably date from an earlier period than the Renaissance tower and the Baroque redesign of Kostel sv. Gotharda.

Kostel sv. Gotharda between Romanesque and Baroque

Kostel sv. Gotharda began as a single-nave Romanesque church from the mid-12th century. Between 1765 and 1772, it was rebuilt into its present Baroque form according to a design by the prominent Prague architect Jan Josef Wirch. Despite historicist alterations, the church preserves most of its medieval structures, architectural elements and stonework, including a late Gothic roof structure. It is precisely the combination of Romanesque origins, a Renaissance tower and a Baroque form that makes the building interesting for visitors who want to trace historical changes in a single place.

The bell tower also tells its own building history: It was erected in the second half of the 16th century from sandstone blocks as a new Renaissance tower. The bell tower at Kostel sv. Gotharda is currently not open to the public. The interior of Kostel sv. Gotharda is occasionally opened to the public; however, there are no regular visiting hours. For planning your day, an interior visit is therefore better viewed as a possible addition than as a fixed item on the itinerary.

Museum, Town History and Exhibitions

At the Podlipanské Museum, the exhibitions cover the notable Battle of Lipany on 30 May 1434 and the Slavic hillforts in Pošembeří. In addition, several seasonal exhibitions and accompanying programmes take place there every year.

The original Stará radnice is also part of the town’s history: The first mention of its building dates from 1402. Since 1998, the Šatlava Gallery has served as a small exhibition space. The current location of Šatlava is associated with the year 1850. Thus, when researching the area, historical architecture, a more contemporary exhibition culture and a single building with its own history of use come together.

Údolím Šembery Educational Trail

For a more active section, there is the Údolím Šembery educational trail. Its more demanding route is approximately 11 km long and has 12 stations. The information board at the entrance stands by the brewery grounds on Tuchorazská Street in Český Brod. If the educational trail is part of your travel plans, this starting point provides clear orientation when choosing your accommodation and preparing for the day. The approximate length helps you place the more active section within your daily itinerary; the twelve stations also give the route a clear internal structure without assuming a specific visiting time.

For further area research: Toušice, Doubravčice, Veletov, Libenice, Velký Osek, Lipec, Týnec Nad Labem, Radovesnice Ii.

For the wider travel overview: Kolín District.