Discover Polkovice: Archaeology, Castle and Village Life

Polkovice Between Archaeology and Village Life

Polkovice combines an exceptional prehistoric archaeological site with historic buildings, equestrian experiences, agricultural education and public festivals. This gives you a variety of reasons to engage with the local history, the landscape along the Valová and present-day community life. The combination of the archaeological site, the surrounding landscape and a long history of settlement makes Ostrovy a distinct focal point for exploring Polkovice.

Archaeology and Historic Buildings

Ostrovy is considered the most significant prehistoric archaeological site in the cadastral area of Polkovice. The site lies on a slight rise in the floodplain near the Valová. Archaeological finds provide evidence of settlement at Ostrovy and in its surroundings from the Late Stone Age to the Roman Imperial period. This long time span gives the local history remarkable historical depth.

One of the defining buildings is Polkovice Chateau, a Baroque chateau built in the first half of the 18th century. The restored chateau is owned by the municipality and serves cultural purposes. The Neo-Gothic Church of Saint Bartholomew stands in the village square. It was originally built as a parish church in 1908–1909 and has unplastered façades made of dark red bricks. One of the oldest monuments in Polkovice is also a stone wayside shrine erected at the end of the 17th century. The chateau, church and wayside shrine thus span a period from the Baroque era through the beginning of the 20th century to the town’s older monumental landscape.

The Valová and Equestrian Experiences

The lower reaches of the Valová River run north of Polkovice. Ostrovy is also located near the Valová, connecting the area’s geographical orientation and its archaeological history at a specific geographic reference point. The river thus complements the historical perspective with a clear connection to the landscape.

The Jezdecký klub na Hanáckém dvoře offers riding lessons, trail rides, riding groups, riding camps and programmes for schools in Polkovice. The “Life on the Farm” experience and educational programme gives children insights into goats, sheep, poultry, agricultural machinery, crops, and the lives and needs of horses, and also includes riding. At Hanácký dvůr, there were riding groups such as pony vaulting, a pony and baby riding school, and an equestrian section; children’s riding camps were held there in summer. At Hanácký dvůr, activities involving horses are combined with insights into their living environment and other areas of agriculture.

Public Festivals and Regional Traditions

The Polkovice Goulash Festival is a recurring public autumn event featuring competitions in cooking goulash in a kettle and goulash tasting. The festival also includes public goulash tasting, music and attractions for children. The Polkovice hody festivities include a public programme at the municipality’s sports field. Seasonal events thus complement the village’s historical and agricultural themes.

Other Places in the Same Region

For further travel planning, you can also discover Pavlovice U Přerova, Buk, Rokytnice, Týn Nad Bečvou, Oldřichov, Malhotice, Radkova Lhota and Přestavlky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Přerov District.