Discover Pochvalov

Pochvalov lies below the northeastern slopes of the Džbán Highlands and amid the deep Křivoklátské forests. The village thus combines a forest-rich landscape with traces of history, regional tradition and distinctive natural features. If you are looking for a less interchangeable destination for your trip to the Czech Republic, you will find several themes here that can be combined into different days of exploration.

Nature between Forest and Marl

The Pochvalovská stráň National Nature Reserve lies in the cadastral area of Pochvalov, about two kilometres east of the village. Pochvalovská stráň protects communities on marl outcrops with bearberry and mountain boxwood. It also includes thermophilous shrubs, thermophilous oak forests, and ravine and scree forests. An exposed marl wall formed in Cretaceous sandy marls and is shaped by landslides. The landscape therefore presents itself not only as a forested area, but also as a geologically shaped natural environment.

The forest edges and clearings around Pochvalov are suitable for relaxation. The landscape is particularly appealing to photographers and painters, while the forests invite visitors to gather mushrooms. A local stream flows into a small pond, adding a small body of water to the tranquil scenery. No marked hiking trail passes through Pochvalov itself; nearby, however, you can join trails marked in blue or red. This detail is important for planning if you want to distinguish between a stay focused on exploring the village and nature and a tour along marked trails.

Local History and Baroque Architecture

The first written mention of Pochvalov dates from 13 July 1346. Mining history is also part of the village landscape: a coal deposit was discovered beneath the village, and deep mining at the Jiřina mine near Pochvalov was discontinued in the mid-20th century. The Chapel of St Procopius in the village centre forms a visible cultural focal point. It is the most important and also the only cultural landmark in Pochvalov.

The Chapel of St Procopius is a large Baroque village-square chapel. Its defining architectural elements include a tower with an onion dome, a rectangular nave, an apse-ended presbytery and a sacristy added to the side. There is also a literary trace in the village's history: Pochvalov appears in Václav Beneš Třebízský's historical novel Bludné duše as a village almost overgrown by forests. Pochvalov and its surroundings are also associated with four traditional legends.

Dřevíč and Pravda Castle

Nearby Dřevíč is a fortified area of about 11 hectares on a flat, partially wooded summit of a spur of the Džbán range. The grounds also contain the Baroque Church of St Wenceslas, dating from the late 17th century. The ruins of Pravda Castle lie on a limestone spur between Domoušice and Pnětluky. Almost the entire surrounding wall remains, along with masonry from the entrance gate, the palace and a structure with a cellar. Together with the chapel, the mining history and the traditional legends, these places offer various ways to explore culture and the past.

More Destinations for Orientation

For your further search at the same destination level: Příčina, Krivoklat, Srbeč, Malinová, Svinařov, Pšovlky, Pustověty, Velká Chmelištná.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rakovník.