Nový Dům – Church, Forests and History

Church and History on the Edge of the Village

Nový Dům is situated in the picturesque landscape of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. At the same time, specific historical sites shape the character of the village: the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, forest paths bearing traces of cultural history and preserved historic buildings.

The Baroque Church of St. Mary Magdalene, with its cemetery, stands on the summit of a low, distinctive hill beside a small pond on the northeastern edge of the village. The protected complex includes the church, an enclosing wall with a gate and the separately defined plots of the site. Its location and enclosed layout make it a clearly defined cultural destination within Nový Dům.

The history of the site goes back further. In the 14th century, the small Doupno monastery with a wooden chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene stood in the area of Nový Dům. In the 16th century, an aurochs enclosure and a building for the keeper were established there. Both facilities formed the basis for the later village and its name.

Another historical trace leads into the forest. The Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk was erected in 1723 at the site of a costly hunting event held in 1721 for Empress Elisabeth Christine. Today, the statue stands in the Alžbětin game preserve about 1.8 km east of the village of Nový Dům and about 600 m south of the road from Nový Dům to Lány. It is located at the intersection of forest paths in the middle of a large, artificially created circular grassy clearing.

The historic Maxdorf farmstead also retains historic buildings to this day.

Forests, Educational Trails and Cycling Routes

Nový Dům offers numerous opportunities for walks in the surrounding forests. In this way, the landscape complements the historical destinations with a tranquil, nature-oriented aspect of the stay.

The Z dýmu a jehličí educational trail is 13.5 km long and has nine stops. Its subject matter includes timber transport, forest railways in the Křivoklátsko region and elsewhere in the Czech Republic, as well as charcoal production. The route thus connects the natural environment with the history of forest use.

The Vůně dýmu a jehličí educational trail runs along the northeastern edge of the administrative area of Nový Dům. For cyclists, cycling tourism route 0047 is also relevant: it runs along the southwestern edge of the administrative area of Nový Dům. The different routes provide clear guidance for planning your own outings, as the educational trail and cycling route begin at different edges of the administrative area. If you would like to combine different types of excursions, you will therefore find walks, a themed educational trail and a designated cycling route here as different starting points.

Further Places for Your Research

For your further selection, you can also visit Krakovec, Kalivody, Šanov, Příčina, Karlova Ves, Milý, Krty and Račice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rakovník.