Ratbor combines architectural history with a themed route. When planning your stay, you can choose between two distinct focuses: cultural monuments with clearly identified construction phases, or the “Na toulkách kolem Kolína” educational trail, which explores history and nature. The church has Gothic and Baroque construction phases; a sculpture group stands in front of it. The trail has specific points, including a start, destination, length and stops.
The Church of St. Wenceslas and Its Construction Phases
Ratbor’s oldest cultural monument is the Church of St. Wenceslas, first mentioned in writing in 1352. Originally Gothic, it was remodeled in the Baroque style in 1673, and a bell tower was added around 1700. The dates distinguish the first written mention from the later construction phases. Gothic and Baroque refer to different stages in architectural history. The bell tower was therefore added only after the Baroque remodeling.
A sculpture group depicting the Apotheosis of St. John of Nepomuk stands in front of the church. “Apotheosis” means the elevation or glorification of a person and explains the group’s religious subject. The cultural and historical focus thus includes not only changes to the building but also a specific, named depiction.
Castle Complex and Granary
Ratbor’s protected castle complex includes the New Castle, also known as Mandelíkova vila. The complex also includes a park with sculptures. The alternative name makes it clear that Mandelíkova vila refers to the New Castle. Another cultural and historical landmark is the Baroque granary: it is considered the most prominent surviving remnant of the former farmyard and was extensively and to a high standard restored in 2018–2019. Its location is precisely identified: the granary stands on an open area between the Old Castle and the Church of St. Wenceslas. The New Castle, Old Castle and granary can therefore be distinguished by their different names and features.
Educational Trail and Practical Information
The “Na toulkách kolem Kolína” educational trail starts at the commemorative cedar in Ratboř and ends in the valley of the Pekelský potok near Kbel. It is 3.5 kilometers long and explores the history and nature of the municipalities of Ratboř, Kbílek and Kbel at nine stops. The trail is freely accessible. When choosing a theme, it is important to note that the route is not only about nature: history is explicitly included among the topics covered at the stops. This distinguishes the trail from the individual buildings and gives it its own focus, with a set starting point and endpoint.
Ratboř railway station is part of the integrated transport system. Check this connection again before traveling. The remains of the Skokanovský Mill are also subject to a specific access condition: they are freely accessible, but at your own risk. Check this condition before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Němčice, Dománovice, Tuklaty, Zásmuky, Dobřichov, Ohaře, Velký Osek, Kšely.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Kolín.
