Dolany: History, Nature and Oplatil Sand Lake

Dolany offers several different reasons to stay in a small area: historic religious buildings, protected cultural monuments, trails through nature, local sports and an opportunity to swim at Oplatil Sand Lake. You can therefore plan your trip around the focus that matters most to you – culture, exercise or time by the water.

Historical Traces and Notable Buildings

The history of the village dates back to 1228. The first written mention of Dolany comes from that year; at the time, the local lord Mikuš donated the village to Opatovice Monastery. A much more recent, but also historically interesting, trace is the Church of Saint Vojtech. It was built in 1913 within a single year. Near it is an information board with a map of the area around Dolany. This map provides practical orientation if you would like to combine your walk through the village with further discoveries.

Another notable building is the Chapel of Saint Florian. It was built in the mid-18th century and is a protected monument. In the past, the chapel was used for religious ceremonies. Local sights also include a monument to those who fell in the First World War and a stone cross in the cemetery.

The Opatovický Canal is also closely connected with Dolany’s cultural heritage. It is a protected immovable cultural monument. The protected area comprises the entire plot no. 669/1 in the cadastral area of Dolany u Pardubic. Anyone interested in historic landscape features and monument protection will find here a particularly clearly defined part of the village.

Nature, Water and Trails

A nature reserve lies south of Dolany. A cycling and hiking trail runs along its edge in the direction of Lázně Bohdaneč. This trail thus indicates a specific direction for walks and bike rides without requiring you to commit to a single destination.

Another option for spending time by the water is Oplatil Sand Lake. It is located 2 kilometres from Dolany and is used for swimming by locals and tourists. Its precise distance makes it a clearly identifiable option for a day of swimming, while the nature reserve and the trail towards Lázně Bohdaneč offer a different focus.

Sports and Local Life

Dolany also has facilities for sporting activities. Football matches involving local players take place on the football pitch. There is also an enclosed multi-purpose court, particularly suitable for tennis, nohejbal and badminton. These facilities complement the cultural and scenic attractions with practical opportunities for exercise and playing together.

For further ideas when looking for suitable destinations, you can also explore Jaroslav, Horní Ředice, Staré Hradiště, Lipoltice, Urbanice, Veliny, Selmice and Opatovice Nad Labem.

For the overview of the wider area: Pardubice District.