Hrusice is closely associated with Josef Lada: his former villa now serves as a museum, and several places commemorate the artist. St. Wenceslas Church adds Late Romanesque architecture to this cultural heritage. Two trails draw on Lada’s stories, but differ clearly in length and layout. You can choose between local history, the museum garden and trails of varying lengths.

Church and Memorial Sites

St. Wenceslas Church in Hrusice is Late Romanesque and has an exceptionally richly decorated, tiered portal. As an immovable cultural monument, it is listed in the Central Register of Cultural Monuments under registration number 15233/2-2070. Near the church, a bronze bust of Josef Lada stands on a tall stone pedestal. A winter lime tree near the bust is estimated to be more than 500 years old. The site of Lada’s former birthplace also has its own history: the house where he was born was demolished in 1932; a memorial plaque was installed on the replacement house in 1958. The dates distinguish the demolition from the later commemoration at this site.

Museum and Garden

Josef Lada’s former villa in Hrusice now serves as a museum. It preserves his life, unique illustrations and literary contributions. The garden of the Památník Josefa Lady a jeho dcery Aleny museum still includes Josef Lada’s original mushroom wood. Since 2010, it has featured sculptures on Ladavian themes: “Chlapec s káčou” by Tomáš Havlík, “Lampa” by Hana Nováková, “Pískoviště” by Pavel Charypar and “Lavičky” by Václav Mašek. The four sculptures are permanent features of the garden. At the back of the garden is also an arboretum of old fruit varieties, established in 2009. The garden thus brings together memorabilia associated with Lada, artworks and old fruit varieties as distinct themes.

Two Trails Inspired by Lada’s Stories

The Cesta kocoura Mikeše runs from Hrusice to Mukařov. The route is 25 kilometres long and has 14 stops based on Josef Lada’s story about Mikeš the cat. White trail markers and 25 granite kilometre stones mark the way; it can also be split into several daily stages. The Pohádkové Hrusice educational trail starts and ends in Hrusice. It is 4 kilometres long and has six information boards about characters and stories from Josef Lada’s fairy tales. The two routes differ in scale: the educational trail is shorter, while the 25-kilometre route can be split into several daily stages. Check the current route and signage before setting out.

Practical Information

Visitors can park in the parking lot on the square by the church. Check local conditions before travelling. Visitor toilets, including an accessible toilet, are available behind the villa. The access code is printed on the admission ticket; keep it handy to access the toilets.

Discover More Destinations

Všestary, Struhařov, Stirin, Květnice, Kuří, Svetice, Slustice, Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav

For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.