Zákolany lies in the valley of the Zákolanský potok; its history is closely connected with Budeč. This offers various ways to shape a stay: the valley landscape, historic buildings and cultural traces. Budeč is ideal for leisurely walks and contemplative hikes through the countryside. If you enjoy combining an interest in nature with culture, you can consider these themes side by side when planning, without committing to a fixed itinerary.

The valley and landscape as a cultural theme

The romantic surroundings of the Zákolanský potok are associated with artists from the Mařák landscape-painting school, including Ant. Slavíček, Jaroslav Panuška and Otakar Lebeda. This gives the landscape a cultural perspective in addition to its setting in the valley. This may make a difference depending on your interests: in Budeč, walks and hikes through the countryside take centre stage, while the stream’s connection with the artists offers a way to explore art and the history of the landscape. Both are among the region’s described features, and you do not have to focus on just one.

Budeč and the history of Zákolany

The Rotunda of St Peter and St Paul in Budeč is considered the oldest surviving stone building in the Czech Republic. It is pre-Romanesque, providing a tangible point of interest if you are interested in historic architecture. At the same time, Budeč’s significance extends beyond the building itself: the history of Zákolany is closely connected with the history of the site. This means you can focus your visit on both the rotunda and its historical context.

Tours of the rotunda are organised by the Sládečkovo vlastivědné muzeum in Kladno. If you would like to plan a tour, check the museum’s current offer in advance. Budeč also offers options for other interests: the rotunda represents the history of architecture and the site, while walks and contemplative hikes offer time in the countryside. You can weigh up these different interests when planning your stay, without assuming a particular duration or route.

Musical and biographical traces

Music and life stories are also among Zákolany’s cultural connections. Antonín Zápotocký was born here in 1884. The Zákolanská polka is associated with the town and appears in Bedřich Smetana’s opera “Dvě vdovy”. These offer two different points of interest: one leads to a person, the other to a piece of music and its connection to opera. If you do not want to base your stay solely around buildings, these themes add another perspective on the town’s history.

The chapel in Kováry

The Chapel of St Isidore in Kováry was built in 1781 and extensively renovated in 2025. Exhibitions are occasionally held there. The year it was built and its renovation mark two different points in the building’s history; the occasional exhibitions also add a changing cultural use. If an exhibition is of interest to you, it is worth checking what is currently on offer before visiting. This makes the chapel a distinct element in choosing which topics you would like to explore further during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Třebíz, Velké Přítočno, Stehelčeves, Uhy, Jemníky, Tuchlovice, Královice, Hřebeč.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Kladno.