A trip to Dymokury can begin with its architecture and history, or turn your attention to ponds and nature. The town combines a Renaissance castle history with a Baroque castle built later, a Baroque church, and a nature trail with seven stops. Are you interested in architectural styles and historical periods, or in flora, fauna, and geology? Your answer can help determine which aspect to explore first when planning your trip.
Castle History in Two Building Phases
Between 1615 and 1618, Dymokury Castle was converted from a medieval fortress into a Renaissance castle. The present-day castle, with its spacious courtyard, was built in the second half of the 17th century. It is a single-storey Baroque building with three wings. The dates distinguish two separate events: the conversion of the castle at the beginning of the 17th century and the construction of the present-day castle later in that century. The courtyard, number of storeys, and wings add specific architectural details to this chronology.
Baroque Church and Stone Cross
The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Zvěstování Panny Marie) was built between 1723 and 1725, probably to a design by J. Santini. Its Baroque central-plan building has an oval exterior and an octagonal interior. This allows the exterior form and interior space to be considered as two distinct features of the same building. A pewter baptismal font dates from 1605, making it older than the 18th-century church building.
Another historical landmark is the stone cross on Kalvárie Hill, southwest of Dymokury in the direction of Vestec. It dates from 1866 and adds another clearly dated point of reference to the building history of the castle and church.
Nature Trail by the Pond System
The Naučná přírodovědecká stezka Pustý rybník is two kilometres long, and its seven stops focus on the flora, fauna, and geology of the area around the pond system. The starting point is at the dam of Pustý rybník, on the road between Poděbrady and Jičín, about one kilometre from Dymokury railway station. The trail ends at the dam of Jakubský rybník. Since the start and end points are at different pond dams, you should factor in the return journey when planning and not automatically assume it is a circular route.
Pustý rybník, near Dymokury, is part of the Rožďalovické rybníky bird protection area. This gives the nature theme its own regional context, while the trail’s stops offer specific insights into flora, fauna, and geology.
Another Excursion Option
The excursion “Za památkami, drážkou a pověstmi do Dymokur” is another way to explore the area. It is suitable for strollers and bicycles; off-road tyres are required because of the meadow paths. The excursion is available for all visitors to download free of charge. Before planning, check whether the download is currently available.
Discover more destinations: Prerov Nad Labem, Rozdalovice, Velenka, Krchleby, Sloveč, Zvěřínek, Podebrady, Okřínek
For the broader travel overview: Okres Nymburk.
