Druztová brings together several distinct themes: the architectural history of the church and chapel, the remains of Věžka Castle, and Horní Berounka Nature Park, with its nature trail and protected flora. When planning your trip, you can shape your stay around architecture, history, nature or a seasonal event.
Church and chapel: two architectural histories
The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built in 1351 and was originally Gothic. It was extended in 1699: the presbytery was given a barrel vault, and the nave a wooden coffered ceiling. The later furnishings include the pseudo-Gothic high altar from 1906. Three different periods are therefore represented: the Gothic origins, the late 17th-century extension and an altar from the early 20th century. If you are interested in architecture, there is more here to guide you than just a single construction date.
The Chapel of St John of Nepomuk has a different architectural history. It was completed and consecrated in 1745, after 196 days of construction. The Baroque building is hexagonal, and a statue of St John of Nepomuk stands above the entrance portal. Its construction period, shape and portal statue give you specific features to distinguish the chapel from the older church. Masses are still celebrated in the chapel during winter. If you are planning a visit for this reason, check the current service times in advance.
Castle, nature trail and natural surroundings
Věžka Castle was destroyed in 1478. Today, only remnants of the perimeter walls and inner buildings remain. The castle ruins lie on a rocky summit above the left bank of the Berounka in Druztová. The year of its destruction, the remains of its walls and its location give this historic site a different focus from the religious buildings: here, the ruined castle and the surviving traces of its buildings take centre stage.
The “In the Footsteps of František Maloch” nature trail was established in Druztová in 2003 and has eleven information panels. It runs through Horní Berounka Nature Park. The protected Malochova skalka nature reserve, home to rare flora, is also in the same nature park. The trail and the reserve offer different ways to explore the natural surroundings: the panels give the route an interpretive focus, while Malochova skalka is notable for its protected plant life. This gives you the choice between architecture and local history or nature when deciding what interests you.
Seasonal events and local refreshments
The Magdalenská pouť pilgrimage festival in Druztová takes place in July and includes snail races, held every two years. Check the exact festival dates locally before planning your trip around the event. Masses in the chapel are another seasonal option in winter; check the current service times before visiting. These two seasonal opportunities can help you choose your travel dates around a specific interest.
If you would also like to include a beer tasting, you can sample beers from Pivovar Radouš brewery at Stodolní hospůdka. This adds a culinary focus of its own to the cultural and landscape themes, without requiring you to plan an extensive food and drink itinerary.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus and dates: are you most interested in the architectural history of the church and chapel, the castle ruins, the natural surroundings or a seasonal event? If you want to travel for the July festival or a winter Mass, check the relevant dates before settling on your travel plans. If you have no fixed event date in mind, the historic buildings and nature park themes can guide your choice of stay.
Discover more destinations: Horní Bělá, Ulice, Sedlec, Česká Bříza, Zahrádka, Obora, Křelovice, Kaceřov
For the wider travel overview: Plzeň-North District.
