Volárna – Village History and Landscape in the Polabí

Volárna combines a clearly planned village structure in the open Polabí with a multifaceted history of water, agriculture, and village community. The simple houses are arranged in clear lines and lie within the open agricultural landscape. As a result, the village is defined not only by individual sights, but also by its orderly townscape and the traces of its development.

Landscape Between Water Basins and Former Watercourses

A distinctive landscape feature is the protected natural formation “Váha u Volárny.” It is a small, old water basin surrounded by trees in the middle of the fields, about half a kilometre from Volárna. The area around Volárna is ideal for hiking; the water basin serves as an independent point of reference in the open landscape.

The history of water management is also part of the character of the surrounding area. The Bačovský side canal was built in 1475 and brought water from the Cidlina. The Bačovský Pond was gradually drained and abandoned in the 18th century. Together, these two facts tell the story of a landscape whose bodies of water were shaped not only by natural processes but also by earlier land management.

A Village with a Distinctive History

Volárna was founded in 1778 on the site of former stables known as “panská volárna.” These stables stood in the area of the former village of Břežany. The village’s history therefore extends beyond its present settlement form and preserves a specific connection to its former use.

The Staročeské máje are a long-standing local tradition. They complement the historic townscape with a living custom. The wooden bell tower of Volárna, dating from 1919 and classified as folk architecture, is also part of the village’s visible history. Historically, it served both religious and practical functions for the village community: the bell called people to prayer, announced the evening and midday ringing as well as everyday and festive events, and could warn of danger. The bell tower is freely accessible.

The memorial to the victims of the First World War in Volárna also dates from 1919. It combines a war memorial with the function of a central cemetery cross and commemorates local victims of the war events of 1914 to 1918. A total of 104 men from Volárna were called up for military service; 15 of them fell.

Transport Connections for Choosing a Location

Volárna has bus services that are integrated into the Prague Integrated Transport system. The nearest railway station serving Volárna is in Velký Osek, 4 km away. If you are looking for accommodation or a hotel for your stay, you can take these two documented transport connections into account in your further location research without tying your choice to a specific accommodation.

Other Places for Orientation

For your further selection of locations, you can also explore Toušice, Dolní Chvatliny, Žiželice, Tismice, Krychnov, Pečky, Konárovice, and Červené Pečky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kolín District.