Dvory’s cultural heritage ranges from a Cubist war memorial to Neo-Romanesque church architecture and an Art Nouveau tomb. It also includes Zdonín Castle, a Neo-Renaissance building. The chronology helps put these landmarks into context: the church dates from the 1870s, Zdonín Castle from 1903 and the Art Nouveau tomb from 1912. The war memorial adds to the collection with its clearly defined Cubist style.

St Wenceslas Church and Churchyard in Veleliby

In the district of Veleliby stands the Neo-Romanesque St Wenceslas Church, a cemetery church within a protected historic complex. Alongside the church, the ensemble includes the enclosing wall with its fence, gates and statues of saints, as well as the associated land. The protected status therefore covers more than just the church building. Public access may vary; check whether a visit is possible in advance.

The present-day St Wenceslas Church was built between 1876 and 1878 in the Neo-Romanesque style. The master builders M. and J. Červený from Nymburk built it in place of the predecessor church of St Giles, which had been demolished around 1874. Neo-Romanesque therefore describes the later church; St Giles was the predecessor building.

The churchyard also contains the notable Art Nouveau tomb of the Mazánek family, a work by E. Kodet from 1912. A Neo-Romanesque cemetery church from the 1870s and a single Art Nouveau tomb from the early 20th century thus represent different architectural and artistic styles. Comparing them brings the changing styles of just a few decades into focus.

Cubist War Memorial and Park

The war memorial in Dvory is a Cubist work. Its slanting lines, triangular shapes and faceted surfaces are specific features of its design. Architecture enthusiasts can use these details to identify its Cubist style. Part of the former pond was transformed into a park with mature lime trees around the memorial. This brings the transformation of the former pond area into view alongside the memorial’s design. The planting may change.

Zdonín Castle and Practical Information

Zdonín Castle is also in Veleliby, a district of Dvory, and is a Neo-Renaissance building dating from 1903. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car, but is not open to visitors. This distinction is important for your planning: being able to reach the building does not mean visitors can enter. As access status may change, check again before setting off.

If you are travelling by train, note the ticketing arrangements at Veleliby station: tickets are sold on the train; there is no ticket office at the station. Station services may change. Check the arrangements again before travelling rather than planning to buy a ticket at the station.

Discover more destinations: Pátek, Velenka, Městec Králové, Běrunice, Zbožíčko, Vrbice, Ostrá, Kolaje

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Nymburk.