Pochvalov lies below the northeastern slopes of the Džbán Highlands, amid the deep Křivoklátské forests. The village combines local history with a landscape where protected habitats, woodland and water each make their mark. The Chapel of St. Procopius and traces of mining are also part of the village’s character.
Landscape and nature conservation
The Pochvalovská stráň National Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Pochvalov, about two kilometres east of the village. A marlstone wall is exposed at Pochvalovská stráň. It formed in Cretaceous sandy marl and has been shaped by landslides. Protected habitats include communities on marl outcrops with bearberry and alpine boxwood, as well as thermophilous shrubs, thermophilous oak forests, and ravine and scree forests. The geological formation and the varied habitats are thus equally central. A local stream also flows into a small pond in the village.
Forests, clearings and paths
The forest edges and clearings around Pochvalov are ideal for recreation. The landscape is also appealing to photographers and painters, and seasonal mushroom picking is possible in the forests. No marked hiking trail passes through the village itself. However, you can find blue- or red-marked trails nearby. Trail markings may change, so check the current signs if you plan to follow a marked route. Recreation along the forest edges, photography and seasonal mushroom picking each offer a different focus.
Chapel and local history
The Chapel of St. Procopius is Pochvalov’s most important—and only—cultural landmark, and stands in the village centre. The large Baroque village-square chapel has a tower topped with an onion dome, a rectangular nave, an apse-ended presbytery and a sacristy attached to the side. Its description thus encompasses both the distinctive shape of the tower and the layout and side sections of the building.
The first written mention of Pochvalov dates from 13 July 1346. A hard-coal deposit was discovered beneath the village; underground mining at the Jiřina mine near Pochvalov ceased in the mid-20th century. These details add two further aspects of local history to the cultural landmark: the early written mention and the mining industry.
Historic sites nearby
Nearby Dřevíč is an approximately 11-hectare fortified site on a flat, partly wooded summit of a spur of the Džbán range. The Baroque Church of St. Wenceslas, dating from the late 17th century, also stands on the site. The nearby ruins of Pravda Castle are located on a limestone promontory between Domoušice and Pnětluky. Almost the entire perimeter wall survives, along with masonry from the entrance gate, the palace and a building with a cellar. The two places represent different historical forms: a fortified site with a church at Dřevíč and surviving castle walls at Pravda.
Literary traces
Pochvalov also appears in literature: in Václav Beneš Třebízský’s historical novel “Bludné duše,” the village is depicted as almost overgrown by forests. Four traditional legends relate to Pochvalov or its surroundings. Together with the chapel, mining history and nearby historic sites, they offer another way to explore the village’s cultural heritage.
Discover more destinations: Roztoky, Kolešovice, Mutějovice, Hřebečníky, Skryje, Kounov, Městečko, Bdín
Go to the regional travel overview: Rakovník District.
