Jaroslav

Jaroslav brings together landscapes, traditional customs and small historical traces within a compact thematic area. The town lies in the Lodrantka catchment area. The river rises west of Jaroslav in wooded areas and feeds a pond on the western edge of the town. For a trip that combines nature observation, walking, cycling and cultural discoveries, the surrounding area therefore offers a variety of opportunities to explore.

Lodrantka, Forest and Pond Landscape

A distinctive landscape area lies around the ponds of Jaroslav. Two derelict ponds, probably dating from the 18th century, were reconstructed there. A wetland was also created. The facilities are located in a forest complex above Road 35 and above the municipality. At the dam of the lower pond of Rybníky Jaroslav, an original oak pipe from the bottom outlet of the two ponds is on display. This specific historical object complements the landscape impression with a tangible reference to the former use of the pond facilities.

A game enclosure is also among the documented destinations in the area: Fallow deer and mouflon live in a forest not far from Jaroslav. Those who enjoy combining their stay with physical activity will find several hiking trails and cycling routes in the surrounding area. The KČT cycling route No. 4195 also passes through Jaroslav. This makes it possible to explore the town not only through individual sights, but also through its paths and landscapes.

Tradition and History in Jaroslav

The Vodění Jidáše custom is particularly distinctive. In 2012, it was included in the list of intangible elements of the traditional and folk culture of the Czech Republic, and it was also documented in Jaroslav during the 2024 redocumentation. The annual event is the culmination of the Easter processions of children carrying rattles and clappers. During the final procession on Good Friday, a boy wears a costume made of straw or tow. A verse about the unfaithful Judas is recited, the children visit the homes in the municipality and collect gifts. At the end, the costume is ceremonially burned, the verse is recited one last time and the reward is divided among the participants.

Further historical points of reference can be found in Jaroslav and the surrounding area. Gottlův kříž marks the place where the last owner of the Zámrsk estate died on January 17, 1941. In Borek, a monument to the fallen Soviet soldier Saša Lepšin commemorates him. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary was built in 1906 in the forest on the left along the road to Horní Jelení.

Historic Buildings and Places for Exploring Together

House No. 3 is one of three parts of the estate of Lord Jaroslav, which later belonged to the Zámrsk estate. The former school building in Jaroslav dates from 1886. The history of the former school building includes a large cultural hall, as well as two pétanque courts and a rectangular multipurpose sports court with a permanently installed basketball hoop behind the building.

For further research, you can also visit Turkovice, Přelouč, Sovolusky, Trnavka, Kojice, Selmice, Barchov and Voleč.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pardubice District.