Vrbčany offers an unusually tangible glimpse into its history: St. Wenceslas Church includes traces of a Romanesque predecessor dating from before 999, as well as distinctive details on its bells. At the early medieval Hradiště, the last traces of former fortifications can be seen. Nearby, Velká Stráž adds an abandoned, partially flooded quarry with a pond and steppe-like character.

St. Wenceslas Church: predecessor building and bells

A Romanesque stone predecessor of St. Wenceslas Church was built in Vrbčany before the year 999. Its remains were discovered during an archaeological investigation of the church in the 1930s. This means the history of the church site goes back to a time well before the visible details of its bells.

The Pazderňák bell was cast in 1592. It bears the coat of arms of the Smiřický family and a relief of Christ on the cross. A 296-kilogram bell at the church was consecrated on 29 September 1946. It is still used to announce the death of a Vrbčany resident or a significant church event.

Hradiště and its fortification traces

The early medieval Hradiště of Vrbčany lies on a low spur above the confluence of the Vrbčanský potok and the Výrovka. Pronounced changes in ground level in the fields around Hradiště are the last visible traces of its former fortifications. A rampart also survives in the fortified area by the church: it is about 184 metres long and up to 1.6 metres high.

The visible evidence of the fortifications varies in scale: the changes in ground level in the fields give an impression of their former extent, while the rampart’s measurements provide a concrete sense of its size. The archaeological history can thus be traced both in the shape of the terrain and in a measured structure.

From the centre of the village, you can reach Hradiště by taking the steps to the eastern tip of the church spur and then following unmarked paths eastwards. The route description points out a practical distinction: the final stretch is not on marked paths.

Velká Stráž: quarry, wildlife and nature conservation

Velká Stráž lies northwest of Vrbčany, above the village. The abandoned quarry is partially flooded; its landscape includes a pond and has a steppe-like character. Mallards, coots, fish, numerous frogs, dragonflies, lizards and other small reptiles find a habitat there. Montagu’s harriers also nest there; seasonal wildlife sightings may vary.

Velká Stráž is also a climbing sector. Seventeen routes are listed there: seven in the right-hand area, four in the middle and six in the rear area. If you plan to climb there, check the climbing conditions and any access restrictions before use.

Another nature site in the area is the Stráně u splavu nature reserve, on the rocky slopes of the Výrovka valley. It protects heat-loving plant communities of the rocky steppe, as well as numerous specially protected and endangered drought- and heat-loving plant and animal species. While the quarry, pond and wildlife shape the landscape at Velká Stráž, the focus here is on protecting rocky habitats.

Vrbčany in a regional thematic context

Vrbčany is stop 6 on the regional project “Tajuplná místa Podlipanska” (Mysterious Places of Podlipansko). The project includes a free pocket guide to walks visiting places surrounded by mysteries and legends; it is available at information centres. This gives the stop a regional thematic context that extends beyond the archaeological traces and landscape right around Vrbčany.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Vrbčany, you can plan your stay around your preferred focus: in the village, the church and the history of its fortifications take centre stage, while the surrounding area also offers nature and climbing.

Discover more destinations: Křečhoř, Konárovice, Červené Pečky, Radovesnice Ii, Lipec, Veltruby, Týnec Nad Labem, Němčice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kolín.