Polepy brings together archaeological traces, a small waterfall and local beer production. The Polepský vodopádek lies below a rocky cliff, and various types of beer are brewed at Pivovar Svatý Ján. The archaeological history reaches particularly far back: the first written mention dates from 1343, although settlement began in prehistoric times. History, landscape and brewery culture can each provide a different focus for your trip.
From Prehistory to the First Written Mention
The area where Polepy developed was already settled in prehistoric times. Its settlement history stretches from Neolithic cultures to the Slavic period. Neolithic cultures include Stroke-ornamented Pottery and Moravian Painted Ware; the Únětice culture provides another link, dating to the Bronze Age. These cultures mark different periods in the long history of the area.
Important traces of the Únětice culture in Polepy are dated to around 1800 BC. In 1910, archaeologists discovered in Polepy the largest burial ground of this culture in the Kolínsko region.
The first written mention of Polepy dates from 1343. The dates serve different purposes in establishing the chronology: around 1800 BC dates the cultural traces, 1910 is the year the burial ground was discovered, and 1343 is the first written record of the village. The medieval written record thus sits alongside a much older archaeological history.
Landscape and Local Culture
The Polepský vodopádek is a small waterfall below a rocky cliff and is registered as a significant landscape feature. This adds a clearly defined landscape feature to the archaeological periods.
The Chapel of Cyril and Methodius is also in Polepy. The village name is associated with the historical custom of catching songbirds with birdlime. This naming tradition offers a different way into the village’s history than archaeological dating: it connects the place name with a historical custom.
Beer Culture at Pivovar Svatý Ján
The brewery offers several different beer styles: Mazel is a 14% semi-dark specialty beer, Fešák and Povstalec are pale lagers at 12% each, and Oliver is a 12% wheat specialty beer. Product names and beer styles may change. At 14%, Mazel has the highest stated value.
Pivovar Svatý Ján also offers contract brewing of unfiltered beers using traditional methods and ingredients. Alongside the named varieties, brewing to order is also part of the brewery’s profile.
Tours are available by prior arrangement; arrange a time by phone. Beer is sold directly at the brewery, subject to the current selection. If you are looking for a particular variety, check in advance whether it is currently available.
Discover more destinations: Ždánice, Radovesnice Ii, Radovesnice I, Pašinka, Pňov-Předhradí, Masojedy, Kouřim, Libodřice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Kolín.
