Dolní Olešnice combines historic architecture with a hiking theme: the village is home to the Renaissance castle Nový zámek, the Church of St James the Greater and several smaller monuments. A red-marked hiking trail also passes through Dolní Olešnice. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can choose your destination based on whether architectural history, church art or hiking will shape your stay.

Castle complex with Renaissance features and sculptures

The Renaissance castle Nový zámek was built in the third quarter of the 16th century by Hanibal of Valdštejn. The complex includes a fortified wall with a bastion and a park. It also features sculptures of the four elements and statues of St John of Nepomuk and St Florian. The bastion is part of the fortifications; the four elements form a separate group of motifs, while the two statues of saints add religious figures. Those interested in architecture and sculpture will find several aspects of a named ensemble here: the Renaissance castle, its fortifications, the park and the figures.

The building history of the Church of St James

The building history of the Church of St James the Greater can be traced through several dates. It was built in 1559 in the cemetery above the settlement as a mixed late Gothic and Renaissance structure. It was remodelled in 1589; a tower was added in 1608, followed by a porch on the north side of the nave in 1629. The nave is the elongated main part of the church, making it possible to pinpoint the location of this later addition. This sequence distinguishes the 1559 building from the later remodelling and additions. The church also retains an almost intact sgraffito decoration. It is considered the first sacred building by the architect and master builder Valmadi. Alongside its blend of late Gothic and Renaissance styles, its multi-phase building history is another distinct point of interest.

Smaller monuments and historical landmarks

A regional route guide dated 25 February 2015 describes the stone wayside shrine Na Zadech, made of white sandstone, with a deep niche and the year 1747. In front of the cemetery entrance stands the Kalvárie, a Baroque work from 1797 with three statues on a plinth. At the local cemetery, beside the former rectory dating from 1787, stands a protected winter lime tree, estimated to be about 220 years old, an age that continues to increase over time. The wayside shrine, sculptural group and tree differ in form and in how their dates are established. They complement the major castle and church buildings with smaller, clearly identified landmarks.

Building history or hiking as the main focus

When deciding what matters most to you, it is useful to distinguish a single date from a multi-phase building history: the wayside shrine and the Kalvárie are associated with individual dates, while the church has a sequence of construction, remodelling and additions. The red-marked hiking trail offers a separate hiking theme. If you are looking for accommodation in Dolní Olešnice, you can weigh up whether cultural history or hiking will have more influence on your choice of destination. For specific hiking plans, check the trail’s current route.

Discover more destinations

Starobucke Debrne, Souvrať, Malé Svatoňovice, Třebihošť, Chotevice, Malá Úpa, Prkenný Dul, Dolní Brusnice

For the overview of the wider region: Trutnov District.