Děčany: Baba, Solany and the Švestková dráha

Děčany lies at the foot of the 306-metre-high Baba hill. Baba is a wooded peak in the České středohoří above Děčany. On the western slope of Baba, there is a tall, distinctive rock offering a beautiful westward view of the peaks Milá, Oblík and Srdov, as well as the surrounding area.

Landscape and local history

The village district of Semeč, part of Děčany, is also part of the landscape: it lies in the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. Semeč adds a different focus to the area.

The first written mention of Děčany is probably dated to 1226. Historical features in Děčany also include a wayside shrine. The wayside shrine adds another historical object to the local history alongside the church’s architectural forms. The local history is particularly vividly reflected in Solany, a village district of Děčany.

St. Martin’s Church in Solany was built at the beginning of the second half of the 14th century; its presbytery, with cross vaulting and a six-part rib vault, dates from this period. The organ was built in 1867 by Prague organ builder Karel Vocelka. The church interior thus brings together medieval architecture and a 19th-century instrument. The church is owned by the municipality and is used for cultural events and is also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. This use adds a contemporary cultural function to the building’s history.

Exploring the surrounding area by Švestková dráha

The Lovosice–Most railway line, built between 1897 and 1898, is now operated in Solany by AŽD as the Švestková dráha. The U10 service of the Švestková dráha is operated by AŽD Praha; the fares and conditions of carriage of the Ústecký kraj transport system and the One Ticket unified fare apply on the trains. The historic line thus connects the construction period of the late 19th century with present-day operations in Solany. For passengers, the fares and conditions of carriage are part of the practical travel planning alongside the operator.

The Švestková dráha takes passengers to the Bohemian Garnet Museum, to Ulrike von Levetzow, below the castles of Košťálov and Oltářík, and into the surrounding countryside. The destinations differ in character: the Bohemian Garnet Museum, the connection with Ulrike von Levetzow, the two castles and the countryside represent different kinds of excursion.

Solanka: a local speciality

The Solanka pear variety has been known in Solany since the mid-19th century and also became known abroad. Solanka pears were still being exported abroad in the 1950s and were the most expensive pears in the first half of the 20th century. Solanka thus connects local history with a regional fruit-growing tradition. Through its export abroad, its history extends beyond Solany.

Further places for planning your trip

If you would like to explore places beyond Děčany, you can also include Horní Řepčice, Kostomlaty Pod Řípem, Lkáň, Lhotka Nad Labem, Vědlice, Třebušín, Terezín and Kresin in your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Litoměřice District.