Bohdaneč: Gothic Architecture, Glassmaking and Trails

Bohdaneč combines medieval church architecture with nature trails about glassmaking and bodies of water. Practical differences are also important when planning your trip: the two trails are 9.2 and 19.2 kilometres long, respectively, and buses run only on weekdays. These local features provide concrete points of reference when choosing a destination.

Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is an early Gothic church dating from the 13th century, with its original apse preserved. Reliefs of human masks adorn the richly moulded original Gothic limestone portal. The portal thus combines a specific material and an elaborate form with figurative ornamentation.

The presbytery also dates from the 13th century: it is pentagonal and has a late Gothic rib vault. “Pentagonal” describes the room’s floor plan, while “rib vault” describes its articulated ceiling. The church is classified as early Gothic, while the vault is late Gothic. The church also has chandeliers from the nearby glassworks in Tasice. This adds a connection to glassmaking alongside the stone architectural features.

Nature Trails about Glassmaking and Bodies of Water

The “Historie českého sklářství” (History of Czech Glassmaking) nature trail runs around Bohdaneč, is 9.2 kilometres long and is considered physically easy. The “Putování po vodních plochách” (Journey around Bodies of Water) nature trail is 19.2 kilometres long. The trails differ in their focus on glassmaking and bodies of water, respectively, and their lengths also differ considerably.

The glassworks nature trail has nine stops and includes a historic glass furnace. The television series “Synové a dcery Jakuba Skláře” (The Sons and Daughters of Jakub Sklář) was filmed at this furnace, among other places. This connects the route to a specific historic glassmaking site and a piece of film history. It is advisable to check local trail conditions before setting out.

Other Cultural and Visitor Attractions

At an outbuilding near the distillery, visitors can learn about a large bee colony. Confirm the current visitor arrangements in advance. The Ostrov complex currently houses a museum of folk costumes. Rozhledna Bohdanka is closed to the public; check current access before planning a visit. The opportunity to learn about a large bee colony complements the church and glassmaking themes with a distinct subject for visitors who are also interested in beekeeping.

Getting to Bohdaneč

Bohdaneč is best reached by car. Buses to Bohdaneč run only on weekdays. The nearest rail connections are via Zbraslavice, Ledeč nad Sázavou and Zruč nad Sázavou. If you plan to travel by bus or train, check the current timetables again before departure, as services may change.

Discover more destinations: Černíny, Horka I, Košice U Nepoměřic, Třebešice, Dolní Pohleď, Kluky, Miskovice, Třebětín.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Kutná Hora.