Domoušice: Archaeology, Castle and Historic Sacred Buildings

Domoušice Between Archaeology and Local History

Domoušice combines impressive traces of early settlement with prominent buildings in the village. Particularly characteristic are the Kounovské řady in the Na Rovinách forest, Domoušice Castle, St Martin’s Church and the complex known as “návesní kaplička (zvonička)”. This makes it a destination where you can combine archaeological features, historic architecture and a landscape with visible fortification traces when planning your trip.

The Kounovské řady and Na Rovinách

The Kounovské řady are a significant archaeological site in the Na Rovinách forest in the cadastral area of Domoušice, near the border with the Rakovník District. The site consists of approximately 14 parallel rows of small, unworked quartzite conglomerate stones. The rows run approximately from north to south; the stones are no more than a few dozen centimetres high. The Kounovské řady are designated as a currently protected archaeological feature, and the protected elements include the cult stones known as the Kounovské řady.

The two archaeological sites differ markedly in their form. At the Kounovské řady, the small quartzite conglomerate stones are arranged in parallel lines. At the former hillfort of Na Rovinách, by contrast, the still-visible stone ramparts stand out as a continuous trace of fortification; thus, a linear stone arrangement and terrain with visible ramparts are set against each other.

The former hillfort site of Na Rovinách lies about 2 km west of Domoušice, on a spur of the Džbán Massif at an elevation of approximately 500 m. Stone ramparts are still visible at the hillfort. In addition to the stone rows themselves, this gives you another historical trace to discover while exploring the surroundings of Domoušice.

The Castle and Sacred Buildings in the Village

Domoušice Castle dates from the early 18th century and was remodelled in the late Baroque style. The castle grounds include a hop-drying kiln, a granary, two farm buildings, a garden, a front garden, a garden wall and an enclosing wall surrounding the entire complex. The various components make the grounds interesting as a coherent historic ensemble, without its history being limited to the main building.

St Martin’s Church in Domoušice is a former cemetery church situated on a rise above a road junction. It was probably built around 1375 on the site of an older sacred building. This cautious dating is as much a part of the building’s history as its former function as a cemetery church.

A special architectural discovery is the complex known as “návesní kaplička (zvonička)”. The western building is a prismatic bell tower with a chapel on the ground floor, a tall shingle roof and a lantern. The eastern building is a chapel with a square floor plan, rounded corners and a split gable. The complex is freely accessible.

Domoušice Railway Station

Domoušice railway station is located on the Most–Rakovník railway line.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to explore destinations in addition to Domoušice, you can find Smolnice, Žerotín U Panenského Týnce, Zatec, Úherce U Panenského Týnce, Počedělice, Krásný Dvůr, Obora and Panenský Týnec here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Louny District.