Discover Ratboř: Church, Chateau Complex and Educational Trail

Ratboř combines sacred architectural history, a protected chateau complex and an educational trail that links history and nature. This allows you to discover the place through its culture, landscape or specific historical traces. At the church, the chateau complex, the barns and mill remains, as well as along the educational trail, Ratboř reveals several different sides.

Church of Saint Wenceslas and Chateau Complex

The Church of Saint Wenceslas is Ratboř’s oldest cultural monument. It was first mentioned in writing in 1352. It was originally Gothic and was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1673. A bell tower was added around 1700. In front of the church there is also a sculptural group depicting the Apotheosis of Saint John of Nepomuk. At a single building, you can thus encounter several historical layers: the Gothic origin, the Baroque transformation, the later tower and the striking sculptural group. The church thus displays several construction phases in one place.

The protected chateau complex of Ratboř includes the New Chateau and a park with sculptural features. The New Chateau is also called Mandelíkova Villa. Unlike at the church, the focus here is not the development of a sacred building, but an ensemble consisting of a chateau and park. Here, the chateau and park shape the view, while at the church the development of a sacred building is visible. One focus of a visit is therefore on architectural changes, while the other is on the chateau grounds and park.

Historical Traces in the Townscape

The Baroque barn is the most prominent surviving remnant of Ratboř’s former farmyard. The historical buildings also include Ratboř’s grain barn. It was extensively and to a high standard restored in 2018–2019 and stands in an open area between the Old Chateau and the Church of Saint Wenceslas. It thus stands between two historical reference points in the townscape. Those interested in rural buildings will find here a complement to the church and chateau complex: instead of sacred or chateau architecture, the former farmyard takes center stage.

Educational Trail between Ratboř and Kbel

For combining exercise with regional discovery, the “Na toulkách kolem Kolína” educational trail is a good choice. It begins at the memorial cedar in Ratboř and ends in the valley of the Pekelský stream near Kbel. The educational trail is 3.5 km long and presents the history and nature of the municipalities of Ratboř, Kbílek and Kbel at nine stations. It is freely accessible. With its start in Ratboř and its end near Kbel, the route can be planned as an independent excursion with clear endpoints. Along the educational trail, local history and landscape come together.

Practical Information for Your Stay

The remains of the Skokanovský Mill are also freely accessible at your own risk. Ratboř railway station is integrated into the integrated transport system. This means that historical buildings, a freely accessible trail, mill remains and a railway station that is part of the integrated transport system are all available during your stay. If you are looking for accommodation in Ratboř, you can organize your days around these focuses and choose between local history, rural buildings and the route towards Kbel.

Discover More Places

For further travel planning, you can also visit Kšely, Polní Voděrady, Hradešín, Toušice, Svojšice, Masojedy, Plaňany and Býchory.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Kolín District.