In Šaplava, traces of the past range from the first written mention in 1381 to monuments with specific construction and restoration dates. At the same time, the Králický Brook flows through the village, and the surrounding countryside is suitable for walks and mushroom picking. When planning your stay, you can balance exploring local history with spending time outdoors.

Cultural Monuments and Local History

A notable monument is the statue of St John of Nepomuk. It was erected in 1764 at the expense of local resident Jan Buček and is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic under object number 101778. Most of Šaplava’s historic buildings have been preserved; house No. 22 is considered a typical wooden house. This offers a view of local history that ranges from a single architectural detail to the character of the village’s buildings as a whole.

Another monument is the statue of the Crucifixion, “Ukřižování,” erected in 1794. Its front bears the inscription “Tato štatuje je pozdvižena pro čest a chválu Boží” (“This statue was erected in honour and praise of God”), carved in Schwabacher script. The monument to the victims of the First World War was fully reconstructed in 2012. Together, these sites represent different historical themes: religious monuments, remembrance of the First World War, and the characteristic local style of wooden construction.

Another historical point of interest is the Old Jewish Cemetery in Nový Bydžov. It is about 11 km from Šaplava and was founded in 1520. Its founding year provides a separate point of reference alongside the dates of Šaplava’s monuments; its distance makes it a distinct destination in the surrounding area.

Cycling and Time Outdoors

The surrounding countryside is suitable for walks and mushroom picking. The Králický Brook flows through Šaplava, adding a specific geographical feature to the description of the local landscape.

A cycling path runs through Šaplava. It is suitable for trekking or road bikes and follows paved roads. There is also a rest stop for cyclists at the local sports ground. Its paved area measures 9 × 6 metres, and its facilities include six benches and a cycling map. This provides details both about the surface and suitable types of bicycle, as well as the facilities at the rest stop, without implying any particular route or travel time.

Dated Events

Pouťový den (Pilgrimage Day) took place in Šaplava on 6 July 2024 and 11 July 2026. The 2026 programme included competitions and games for children, as well as a bouncy castle. A second Silvestrovský výšlap (New Year’s Eve hike) took place in the vicinity of Šaplava on 31 December 2024. These two events differ in both timing and type: one is a July Pilgrimage Day, while the other is a New Year’s Eve hike.

When choosing, you can first consider what you would like to make the focus of your stay: historic monuments and older buildings, cycling, or walks in the surrounding area. The specific details of the village give each of these interests its own connection to Šaplava.

Discover more destinations: Světí, Nechanice, Lhota Pod Libčany, Hněvčeves, Lubno, Dohalice, Kunčice, Ohnišťany

For the wider travel overview: Hradec Králové District.