Zákolany: History, Budeč and the Landscape in the Valley

Zákolany combines a valley landscape along the Zákolanský stream with a remarkable concentration of history, music and culture. The history of Zákolany is closely connected with the history of Budeč. Here, the landscape and historical heritage can be viewed together.

History between Zákolany and Budeč

An important cultural landmark is the pre-Romanesque Rotunda of St Peter and Paul in Budeč. It is considered the oldest surviving stone building in the Czech Republic. The rotunda gives the history of Budeč a particularly vivid form and is a striking example of how far back the region’s historical roots reach. For those interested in architectural history, this connection becomes visible at a specific site.

Tours of the Budeč rotunda are organised by the Sládečkovo vlastivědné muzeum in Kladno. If you would like to experience a visit not only from the outside but also as part of a guided tour, this institution is the key point of contact for historical interpretation.

People and Music from Zákolany

The local history is also connected with well-known names. Antonín Zápotocký was born in Zákolany in 1884. Another facet is represented by the Zákolanská polka: it is associated with Zákolany and appears in Bedřich Smetana’s opera “Dvě vdovy”. The Zákolanská polka provides access to the local history that leads beyond a specific building into the world of opera. In this way, the history of the place can be encountered not only in buildings, but also in biographies and musical connections. The place thus brings together biographical and musical associations.

Chapel and Exhibitions in Kováry

In Kováry stands the Chapel of St Isidore, built in 1781. It occasionally hosts exhibitions and underwent extensive restoration in 2025. These two details make the chapel an independent cultural subject: its history dates back to the 18th century, while the extensive restoration carried out in 2025 forms part of its more recent development. Whether an exhibition is taking place must be checked up to date each time. Its history and recent restoration represent two time periods in the same building.

Landscape along the Zákolanský Stream

The romantic surroundings of the Zákolanský stream are associated with artists from the Mařák landscape school, including Ant. Slavíček, Jaroslav Panuška and Otakar Lebeda. The landscape can therefore be viewed both as a natural motif and as a subject of cultural history. The connection with painting adds an artistic perspective to the local history.

Budeč is suitable for leisurely walks and contemplative hikes through the landscape. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether you would like to focus on the history of Budeč, a tour of the rotunda, cultural discoveries or time spent in the landscape.

More Places for Your Research

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Zákolany, you can also find Hobšovice, Kladno, Želenice, Neuměřice, Zichovec, Kmetiněves, Dřínov and Horní Bezděkov here.

For the overview of the wider area: Kladno District.