A Baroque Jesuit church and protected dry grasslands represent different sides of Odolena Voda: architectural and literary history, as well as distinctive habitats. There is also an exhibition about Vítězslav Hálek, places by the water, and routes for walking and cycling. When planning a stay, it helps to arrange these themes according to your interests. Architecture and literature offer a different focus from nature watching, swimming or cycling. You can treat each interest as a focus in its own right, rather than combining them into a single set itinerary.
Baroque Architecture and Literary Heritage
The Jesuit order had the Baroque Church of St Clement built between 1732 and 1735 on the site of an older church. Inside are expressive paintings by the Jesuit Jan Kuben. The construction period, the earlier church and the paintings offer different ways to explore the site; the church is also listed as an immovable cultural monument.
The Marian Column, dating from 1706 and restored in 1923, stands in the town square. Odolena Voda’s Renaissance fortress was converted into a Baroque château. The château retains Renaissance vaults and Baroque fittings. The Renaissance vaults and Baroque fittings show how older architectural elements were combined with later design. Visitors interested in architectural history by period can distinguish the Renaissance from the Baroque here.
Hálkovna is the house where Vítězslav Hálek was born on 5 April 1835. In the district of Dolínek, an exhibition about the life and work of the Czech poet and prose writer is housed in his birthplace and features documents and images. The connection to Hálek thus extends from the biographical date to his literary work. The exhibition offers a distinct theme alongside the buildings and their history.
Dry Grasslands, a Volcanic Hill and Water
The Vršky pod Špičákem Nature Reserve protects extensive, valuable dry grasslands as well as acid-loving vegetation with succulents and ephemerals. Dry grassland vegetation also grows on the former volcanic hill of Čenkov, providing refuge for numerous protected and endangered plant and animal species. Dry grassland is the shared focus of both descriptions. The aspects highlighted differ: Vršky is presented as a nature reserve and its vegetation is emphasized, while Čenkov also features a volcanic landform and refuge for many species.
The area’s water features include Korycanský potok and Čenkovské rybníky, a system of three ponds. The stream rises in the Dolínek area. These habitats offer a contrast between dry environments and water-related natural features such as the stream and pond system.
Swimming Area, Circular Walk and Cycling Routes
Jordán is a natural swimming area at a shallow pond with a reinforced dam. If you are considering stopping for a swim, check the current bathing conditions, as they may change. For a walk, Odolena Voda has the 4.95-kilometre circular route around Vodolka. Check the distance and route against the current local signage.
A 25-kilometre, white-marked cycling route starts at Horní náměstí in Odolena Voda. When planning this ride, it is worth checking the latest information on the surface and access conditions. The municipal plan from June 2022 describes Fajglovka as a shared walking and cycling path between the Aero Vodochody area and Odolena Voda. Check the current conditions before using it today. The Dřeviny Malého háje nature trail can be walked in Malý háj; check its current condition before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Mratín, Kozojedy, Petříkov, Jevany, Klíčany, Předboj, Veliš, Zlatá
For the regional travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.
