Raná lies at an altitude of 485 metres on the Raná stream, which was also called Černý potok and Dolský potok. Village history, architectural development and cycling offer different ways to discover this place. The focus is on the Church of St. James the Greater, historic farmsteads and the cycling routes that pass through the municipality. If you would like to combine cultural history with a journey through the landscape, you can include these topics as separate points of interest in your plans.
The Church of St. James the Greater
The church complex stands on a gentle rise in the central part of Raná. The church was originally Gothic and is documented as early as 1350. It was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1718 and later acquired its Neo-Gothic appearance. This sequence points to a building history with several phases rather than a structure from a single period.
The complex includes an enclosure wall around the cemetery and a mortuary chapel dating from the early 18th century. It also includes a brick bell tower from 1835. Original historic wall paintings were discovered inside the church. The exterior, ancillary buildings and interior complement one another as different aspects of the church complex.
Village History and Farmsteads
Raná was first mentioned in writing in 1349, when the village was part of the Rychmburk estate. Large timber-framed and later brick farmsteads along the road shaped the historic settlement. In Oldřetice, larger enclosed farm complexes have been preserved along the stream. Thus, the municipality brings together the historical development of farmstead construction in Raná and preserved groups of farmsteads in Oldřetice.
The stream’s former use is also part of the local economic history. Three water-powered grain mills and a sawmill once operated on the Raná stream. Alongside the farmstead history, the mills and sawmill add another economic aspect: the use of water power.
Landscape and Cycling
Raná, Oldřetice and Medkovy Kopce lie in an unspoilt landscape that gives the localities a distinctive atmosphere. The connection with the landscape therefore extends beyond Raná to include Oldřetice and Medkovy Kopce.
Cycling routes 18 and 4122 run through the municipality of Raná on Class III roads. The route numbers give you specific reference points for planning a cycling trip; the road class also identifies the roads on which the routes pass through the municipality. Cycling is therefore a distinct focus alongside local and architectural history.
Other Historical Points of Interest
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary on the village square dates from 1894. Its date adds another local building milestone to the older references in the village’s history and the church.
The Roman Catholic parish of Raná regularly holds services on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Fridays at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to attend a service, check the date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Bousov, Dolní Bezděkov, Miřetice U Nasavrk, Nasavrky, Vápenný Podol, Stary Dvur, Skalice, Chroustovice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Chrudim.
