Staré Buky combines a long church history with other traces from different eras. At its heart is Kostel sv. Anny: its construction phases, embedded gravestones and distinctive design features give the place a clear cultural focus. A statue, a castle and a war memorial complete this picture; the nearby Dolce leisure area offers a different kind of attraction, with ponds and sports facilities. When planning your stay, the main question is whether you would like to set aside more time for the history of the buildings and the village, or for leisure activities.
Kostel sv. Anny: Construction History and Details
The history of Kostel sv. Anny dates back to 1355. A consecration or dedication of the church is mentioned for 1360, possibly to the Virgin Mary. The present church building was erected in 1692 by Baron de Waggi; in 1755, Count Wilibald von Schafgotsch enlarged the church. A presbytery was added in 1802, a manor crypt in 1804 and a church tower in 1836. This sequence spans the medieval period and several later construction phases, showing that the building cannot be attributed to a single period of origin.
Notable features include an illusionistically painted tracery window and almost completely preserved medieval trowel plaster with four red concentric circles. Seven gravestones are embedded in the exterior wall; the oldest dates from the 14th century. Kostel sv. Anny is the only listed cultural monument in Staré Buky. Visitors interested in architecture can explore the ornamentation, older gravestones and construction phases as different ways of discovering the village’s history.
Around 2006/2007, the church became the property of the municipality of Staré Buky; preservation work began immediately afterward. This more recent period adds a chapter on conservation to the building’s history.
Statue, Castle and War Memorial
The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk was created in 1715 and, after its restoration, was relocated to the beginning of the avenue near the municipal office. The two-storey neo-Gothic castle dates from the late 19th century and stands near the original site of the manor house. In the park in front of the former school building stands a memorial to the victims of the First World War, dating from 1921. These places offer different historical perspectives: a religious sculpture, a built connection to the former manor house and a memorial to the victims of war.
The condition of the memorial may change. If this is important to your plans, check its condition before making a special trip to see it.
Dolce Leisure Area and Viewpoint
The nearby Dolce leisure area offers swimming, mini golf, tennis and volleyball by a cascade of ponds; cycling in the surrounding area is another option. The range of activities extends from time by the water to sports and cycling trips. Individual activities and their operating schedules may change. If a particular activity is key to your stay, check its availability in advance.
From a viewpoint in Staré Buky, you can look across the Dolce leisure area toward the Krkonoše Mountains. Visibility depends on the weather. Alongside the activities, this offers a scenic viewpoint: if the distant views matter more to you than time by the ponds, your plans will depend more on the weather conditions.
Discover more destinations: Dolní Olešnice, Bílá Třemešná, Vrchlabi, Lampertice, Bernartice U Trutnova, Suchovrsice, Horní Marsov, Hostinne.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.
