Ratbor: Cultural History and Educational Trail

Ratbor can be explored through two distinct themes: the town’s architectural and cultural history, and the “Na toulkách kolem Kolína” educational trail. The named cultural monuments include the Church of St Wenceslas, a protected castle complex and historic farm buildings. The educational trail adds stops on nature and history across three municipalities to the town’s history.

The Church of St Wenceslas and its architectural history

The town’s oldest cultural monument is the Church of St Wenceslas, first mentioned in writing in 1352. It was originally Gothic and was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1673. A bell tower was added around 1700. Several construction phases can therefore be distinguished at the church: the medieval written reference was followed by the Baroque remodelling and, later, the addition of the tower. There is also a sculptural group depicting the Apotheosis of St John of Nepomuk in front of the church. The cultural theme thus encompasses both architectural history and a distinctive work of sculpture.

Castle complex and historic farm buildings

The protected castle complex includes the New Castle, also known as Mandelíkova vila. The complex also includes a park with sculptures. The Baroque barn is the most prominent surviving remnant of Ratboř’s former farmyard. These named features represent different aspects of the architectural heritage: the castle and park make up the protected complex, while the barn stands out as a surviving part of the former farmyard.

Ratboř’s granary underwent extensive, high-quality restoration in 2018–2019. It stands in an open area between the Old Castle and the Church of St Wenceslas. Its location provides a clear point of reference between two named buildings. Together with information about the restoration, this helps place the granary both geographically and in the context of its more recent architectural history.

“Na toulkách kolem Kolína” educational trail

The educational trail starts at the memorial cedar in Ratboř and ends in the valley of the Pekelský potok near Kbel. It is 3.5 km long and covers the history and nature of the municipalities of Ratboř, Kbílek and Kbel at nine stops. The route is freely accessible. Details about its length, start and finish give the outing a clearly defined scope; its stops bring together nature and history across several municipalities.

The options have clearly distinct focuses to suit different interests: the church, castle complex and barn highlight architectural history, art and restoration. The educational trail focuses on a route with nine stops covering history and nature. This makes it possible to decide whether to base your stay more around the town’s cultural monuments or the themed route, without combining the two into a single itinerary.

Practical planning information

Ratboř railway station is part of the integrated transport system. As this status may change, check again before travelling to confirm that it is still part of the system. The remains of the Skokanovský Mill are freely accessible; visits are at your own risk. Check this access condition again before your visit. These are two separate practical points: the station information concerns its inclusion in the transport system, while the mill information concerns access to the remains.

Discover more destinations: Mrzky, Kouřim, Zásmuky, Radovesnice Ii, Ždánice, Svojšice, Žehuň, Plaňany.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kolín.