Tuklaty – Bell Tower, Vicarage and Výmola

Tuklaty combines a multifaceted local history with the landscape on the southern edge of the Polabská nížina. Those who would like to combine historic buildings with a walk in nature will find several distinct points of interest here: the bell tower, the vicarage, the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the school museum and the meanders of the Výmola.

A Bell Tower with an Unusual History

The bell tower in Tuklaty was originally a fortified castle built in the 14th century and was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century. However, its history extends beyond its architectural form. In 1819, the tower was used for the first historical survey of Czech municipalities and towns by the mathematician, physicist and astronomer František Ignác Kasián Halaška. A maritime sextant was used for this purpose.

The bells themselves also refer to different chapters in the local history. One bell was cast in 1506 by the bell founder Bartoloměj from Prague. A second bell was made in 1624 by the bell founder Jakub Mělnický in Mladá Boleslav. For you, this makes the bell tower not merely a historic building, but a place where architecture, the history of technology and local tradition intersect.

Vicarage, Church and School Museum

The vicarage in Tuklaty was built in 1729 by the priest Václav Pečený. The construction costs were financed by Duchess Marie Terezie Savojská of the House of Liechtenstein. The central part of the building, with wings in the form of a St. Andrew’s cross, is particularly striking. The vicarage is gradually being converted into a community centre with two halls and several other smaller rooms for association and social activities.

The present-day Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is a Baroque building. It was built after 1688 on the site of a church documented there since the 14th century and was extensively reconstructed after 1989. The school museum is housed in the former vicarage. It displays exhibits from the local school and from residents. A timeline begins in 1730; photographs from school chronicles complement it. These chronicles have been kept in Tuklaty since 1855. Overall, the school museum documents nearly three centuries of local educational history.

Access to the school museum was intended to be possible during the municipal office’s opening hours or by prior arrangement with the Tuklaty Municipal Office. You should take this arrangement into account when planning your own visit.

Landscape along the Výmola and Arrival Orientation

Tuklaty lies on the southern edge of the Polabská nížina on the Tuklatský potok. Behind Tlustovousy, this stream flows into the Výmola. A scenic walk along the meanders of the Výmola is possible in spring. In this way, the landscape complements the cultural and historical sights with a seasonal outdoor experience.

The location on the Praha–Kolín railway line is also relevant for orienting yourself on the journey. If you would like to combine cultural history with a spring walk during your stay in Tuklaty, the bell tower, vicarage, school museum and Výmola form the town’s defining themes. This allows you to choose a hotel based on a clear focus: discovering local history and the landscape by the water.

Other Places for Your Research

Other places you can include in your research: Třebovle, Ždánice, Radovesnice I, Choťovice, Veletov, Pňov-Předhradí, Kořenice, Svojšice.

To the overarching travel overview: Kolín District.