Vrbno Nad Lesy: Church, Rectory and Places of Remembrance

Vrbno nad Lesy combines a long local history with clearly distinguishable architectural styles and places of remembrance. The early Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Baroque rectory and memorial plaques on the former school building represent different historical themes. There are also two cemeteries with clearly distinct associations: one in the town and a Jewish cemetery between Vrbno nad Lesy and Hřivčice.

Local history since its first mention

Vrbno nad Lesy was first mentioned in writing in 1143. In the same year, Prince Vladislav gave Vrbno to Strahov Monastery. The two details emphasize different things: the mention marks the first written record of the town, while the gift represents a specific connection to Strahov.

A divided lordship over Vrbno is documented for the Middle Ages: St. George’s Monastery, the Premonstratensians from Strahov and the abbess of Panenský Týnec shared authority. Thus, alongside the event of 1143, several religious institutions feature in the town’s history. The gift and the divided lordship are two distinct aspects.

Church and rectory: architectural styles in the town center

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an early Gothic church dating from before 1321 and was remodeled in the Baroque style. It has a single nave; the presbytery is narrower than the rest of the church. Both sections have a rectangular floor plan. A prismatic tower with an onion dome stands on the north side. The church’s floor plan, tower shape and combination of an early Gothic structure with Baroque alterations can thus be distinguished.

The Baroque rectory complex dominates the center of Vrbno nad Lesy and stands on the northeast side of the square. The ensemble includes the rectory, an outbuilding, a gate and a perimeter wall with another gate. The single-storey rectory consists of two rectangular wings arranged at right angles to each other; the main wing faces the square.

The gate of the rectory complex also has two distinct portals: the larger one has a vaulted round arch and a double-leaf gate. Beside it is a smaller, straight-topped portal with a door. The church and rectory therefore offer different architectural themes: the layout of a church interior on the one hand, and the wings, wall and gates of a Baroque complex on the other.

Memorial sites and cemeteries

Memorial plaques to the victims of the First and Second World Wars are located on the former school building at Vrbno nad Lesy 38. The plaque to the victims of the Second World War is to the left of the main entrance. Another plaque on the side wall of the left wing commemorates Bohumír Krasenský and Josef Dlouhý, who were shot there by Nazis on May 8, 1945. The plaques thus preserve both a general remembrance and the names of two specific victims.

The cemetery in Vrbno nad Lesy is enclosed by a perimeter wall that has been preserved in its original form; the grounds contain numerous old Czech gravestones. The grave of Václav Kozák is also there. His epitaph describes him as an Olympic champion, European champion and “Rower of the Century.” The condition of the wall and gravestones may change.

Outside the town, on a field path between Vrbno nad Lesy and Hřivčice in the cadastral area of Hřivčice, there is a Jewish cemetery. Its oldest gravestones date from the 18th century. Its location clearly distinguishes this memorial site from the cemetery in town.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Vrbno nad Lesy is a stop on the interregional U40 line between Slaný and Louny. This connection is listed in the June 2026 timetable; schedules may change. So check the connection for your travel dates.

Holiday cottages, holiday homes, apartments and glamping accommodation are offered in the area around Vrbno nad Lesy. Offers and availability may change; check the results for your preferred dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Velemyšleves, Panenský Týnec, Veltěže, Brody, Chlumčany U Loun, Brodec, Líšťany, Jimlín.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Louny.