At the centre of Nové Dvory stands the neo-Gothic Chapel of the Virgin Mary. Several distinct traces of the village’s history can be found there: a memorial to those who fell in the First World War and a memorial to a Red Army soldier. There is also an annual Mass, a story about a wayside cross, and routes that place Nové Dvory within wider itineraries. The landscape along the Sázava River also gives the village a distinctive geographical setting.
The chapel and its history
The chapel was built in 1901 by master builder Pecháček from Přibyslav. Its location in the village centre makes it a clear point of reference when describing the village. Its neo-Gothic style can be identified through specific details: the side walls contain pointed-arch windows, and the façade has a narrow entrance with a pointed arch. The recurring pointed-arch motif connects the windows and entrance in a tangible architectural theme. This makes it possible to relate the description of the style to the named features, rather than classifying the chapel only by its age.
Two memorials, two historical references
A memorial to those who fell in the First World War was unveiled right beside the chapel on 18 August 2013. There is also a memorial on the right-hand side of the chapel to a Red Army soldier who died there on 14 May 1945. The information concerns different memorials and events: the August date marks the unveiling of one memorial, while the May date marks the soldier’s death. Together, the two memorials also give the central chapel historical significance and a place in the culture of remembrance.
An annual tradition and a local story
A 2021 municipal description mentions an annual Mass held in the chapel: it takes place on the third Sunday in August to give thanks for the harvest and blessings received. The occasion links the date with harvest and gratitude. If you plan to travel to Nové Dvory for this celebration, confirm the exact date in advance.
Another local story concerns a wayside cross on the outskirts of Nové Dvory. According to a resident, it is said to have been moved to its current location from a disused cemetery. This reported origin adds a local tradition to the history of the chapel and memorials. The attribution is important when assessing the account: the relocation is presented as a resident’s account.
Landscape and routes
Nové Dvory lies in the landscape along the Sázava River. One route description leads from the summit of Peperek down to the villages and towns of Velká Losenice, Nové Dvory, Buková and Nížkov, and on to Rosička. The KČT cycling route No. 19 also passes through Rosička, Nížkov, Buková, Nové Dvory and Přibyslav. The two descriptions provide different kinds of orientation: one describes a route from the summit through several places, while the other lists the places along a cycling route. Check current route conditions before setting out on a cycling trip.
You can weigh these themes separately when deciding on your trip: the chapel and memorials represent architectural and local history, while the annual Mass and wayside cross reflect religious tradition and local lore. The route descriptions also place Nové Dvory within a wider itinerary. This can help you judge the village according to which of these specific themes you find most interesting for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dolní Heřmanice, Milešín, Hodíškov, Dobra Voda, Nová Ves U Nového Města Na Moravě, Rosička, Otín, Netín
For the wider travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.
