In Kovanice, cultural history and the Elbe come together. The Church of St. Wenceslas, a life-size sandstone statue, the Jewish cemetery and the small castle give the place a range of historical points of interest; a cycle path along the left bank of the Elbe adds a riverside perspective. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kovanice, you can choose your destination based on whether sacred art, Jewish heritage or the connection with the Elbe is your main interest. When planning, consider not only your interests but also a practical access question: the Jewish cemetery is locked, and you should check the conditions for cycling in advance.
Art and Church History
By the Church of St. Wenceslas stands a life-size sandstone statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, about 15 metres northwest of the cemetery enclosure. The date 1728 is carved into its pedestal. The statue belongs to a group of 18th-century stone sculptures created in the workshop of Josef Jiřà JelĂnek in Kosmonosy. This attribution connects a specific work of art with a larger group and a named workshop. The church also contains a painting of Saint Wenceslas by V. KramolĂn, dating from around 1770. While the statue stands out for its material, the date on its pedestal and its place in the group of sculptures, the artist and approximate date are the defining details of the painting.
Jewish Cemetery and Remembrance
The Jewish cemetery in Kovanice was established in 1830 as a burial ground for the Jewish communities of Kovanice, Nymburk, Poděbrady and Křinec. It was therefore intended for four communities, not just Kovanice. The grounds cover 1,457 square metres, with 282 gravestones arranged in regular rows. The area and the rows illustrate the size and layout of the cemetery. A memorial plaque at the entrance commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The cemetery is locked; the key is available from the Kovanice municipal office. As access arrangements may change, check them locally before your visit.
The dates refer to different periods: 1728 is carved into the pedestal, the painting dates from around 1770, and the cemetery was established in 1830.
Castle and Memorial
The small castle is located on the Elbe. The castle, the enclosure wall and gate of the former park, and the enclosed grounds are protected. The protected site therefore includes more than the building alone: the features of the former park and the grounds are also included. The war memorial to the victims of the First World War is also one of Kovanice’s sights. The castle and memorial offer different points of interest—the protected buildings by the river and the remembrance of the victims of the First World War.
The Elbe and the Cycle Path
The cycle path to Kovanice, opened in 2025, runs along the left bank of the Elbe and mostly close to the river. Its location gives the ride a direct connection to the river; check current path conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Pátek, Kouty, Poušť, Starý Vestec, Oseček, Chrást, Krchleby, Dvory
For the wider travel overview: Nymburk District.
