Parizov can be explored through two main themes: architectural history and the landscape along the Doubrava. The Romanesque Church of St Mary Magdalene represents a long historical horizon, while the dam, built between 1909 and 1913, represents early 20th-century water engineering. Further upstream, there is a valley with rock outcrops and mixed forest, as well as other traces of the area's relationship with water. This gives you the chance to discover different sides of the place during your stay.

Church and historical traces

The Church of St Mary Magdalene is the oldest building in Parizov. It stands on a rocky outcrop at the northwestern edge of the village, above the river. Its surviving wooden structural elements have been dated dendrochronologically to the beginning of the 12th century. This dating applies to the wooden elements; the church itself is classified as Romanesque.

Old stone walls stand on the slope just below the church, above the river. The old road from Parizov towards Moravany also bears a historical trace: it is associated with the route of the original Libická (Liběcká) Trail. The historic route now ends in fields.

Dam and the Doubrava

The Pařížov Dam was built on the Doubrava River between 1909 and 1913. It was built in response to the major floods and inundations of 1885, 1888, 1897 and 1908. The sequence of events makes the connection clear: several severe floods were followed by the construction of the dam at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Pařížov Reservoir is part of Doubrava Nature Park and is used for recreation and fishing. These two aspects come together here: the history of the dam tells the story of flood protection, while the reservoir also serves for recreation and fishing. Upstream from the reservoir, a romantic valley stretches along the Doubrava, with smaller rock outcrops and stands of mixed forest. The reservoir and valley therefore offer different landscape features: the water here, and the rocks and forest further upstream.

Watercourses and hidden structures

In the middle of Parizov is an old millrace tunnel with a stone vault. Water flows through it beneath the extensive mill yard and the foundations of the adjoining barn. The vaulted section is about 30 metres long, excluding the bridge. The tunnel is on private property and is not open to the public—a key limitation to bear in mind when planning a visit.

This millrace tunnel should be distinguished from a second structure: the dam's outlet tunnel is an important winter roost for the barbastelle bat. The two tunnels are thus associated with different things: one carries water beneath the mill yard, while the other is significant as a winter roost for the bat. This natural feature complements the architectural history, without presenting the outlet tunnel as a visitor attraction.

Plan your journey

Bus routes via Běstvina or Parizov are options, as is the alternative of Třemošnice. Check the current timetable before travelling. When preparing your stay, you can choose between the historical traces around the church and dam and the landscape further upstream; the places and themes mentioned provide a concrete framework without prescribing a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Vojtěchov, Licibořice, Vcelakov, Bor U Skutce, Klešice, Prosec, Ronov Nad Doubravou, Raná U Hlinska

For the broader travel overview: Okres Chrudim.