Brandýs nad Orlicí can be explored through two distinct themes: its historic townscape and the places associated with Jan Amos Comenius. There are also outdoor activities, including a seasonal nature labyrinth and the Oucmanice educational trail. The municipal heritage zone encompasses the historic centre; the castle, chateau, church, and Sokolovna are among its notable buildings.
Historic Townscape and Architectural History
The original settlement layout has been preserved. Several timber-framed small-town houses dating from the 19th century stand northeast of the square. Alongside the castle, chateau, and church, they draw attention to smaller architectural forms and add the history of everyday housing to the townscape.
The heritage zone covers the historic urban area; the Sokolovna is also protected as a cultural monument. It is located in a representative urban villa dating from 1890. In 1925, the villa was converted into a Sokolovna with a theatre stage in a Romantic Historicist style. As of 2026, the building remained closed. Do not plan an indoor visit without confirming in advance.
The castle’s origins date back to the last quarter of the 13th century. A fragment of its masonry was structurally secured and preserved for future generations. These are two different chapters: its early origins and the later securing of the masonry.
The castle and the Sokolovna represent different historical periods: the castle dates back to the last quarter of the 13th century, while the villa from 1890 and its conversion in 1925 shape the Sokolovna’s architectural history.
Comenius: Literature and Places of Remembrance
In 1623, Jan Amos Comenius completed the work “Labyrint světa a ráj srdce” (The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart) in Brandýs nad Orlicí. This specific literary connection is complemented by several places of remembrance: the Jan Amos Comenius memorial room is in the town hall. His monument stands on a forest path to Klopoty, near the swimming pool.
Another memorial can be found beside the entrance to the Evangelical Church: a casket there contains earth from Comenius’s grave in Naarden. Literary history thus sits alongside several forms of commemoration.
Nature Labyrinth and Trails
The nature labyrinth offers a seasonal outdoor attraction. The public visiting season starts around 1 May and ends on the last weekend of September. Its square layout measures 35 × 35 metres. The labyrinth is wheelchair accessible; check access before travelling. If you plan to visit the labyrinth, take its season into account when choosing your dates.
The Oucmanice educational trail runs between Brandýs nad Orlicí and Oucmanice through Orlice Nature Park. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The two nature attractions are clearly distinct: the labyrinth has a fixed layout and a season, while the trail follows a route through the nature park.
One route is suitable for cycling, inline skating, and walking.
Discover more destinations: Zamberk, Trpík, Vinary, Podlesí, Voděrady, Plchovice, Horní Hermanice V Cechách, Chocen
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.
