Vavřinec: Church, River and Pond

Vavřinec brings together a history of medieval settlement, churches from different periods of construction, and two distinct features of its waterscape. The Výrovka flows through the town, while the expansive Vavřinecký Pond gives the area a different connection to its waterscape. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can match these themes to your travel interests: Vavřinec brings together local history, architecture and landscape.

River and Pond

The Výrovka flows through Vavřinec and empties into the Elbe. Vavřinecký Pond adds a different feature: the local area has this expansive pond, which is the largest of three large bodies of water in the Vavřinec planning area. It is also designated as regional biocentre No. 956. The river and pond therefore represent different landscape features: the Výrovka is characterized by its course to the Elbe, while Vavřinecký Pond is notable for its size relative to the other bodies of water and its designated function as a biocentre.

This distinction offers a clear way to characterize the area: the Výrovka brings the course of a river through Vavřinec and onward to the Elbe into view; for the pond, its area and regional designation take centre stage. Water is therefore a feature both of the river’s course and of the larger standing body of water.

Churches and Local History

The Church of St. Lawrence is in the Pseudo-Gothic style and was built in 1876–1877 to a design by architect František Schmoranz. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument under registration number 1204. The term Pseudo-Gothic describes the later adoption of Gothic forms; the church thus combines a historicist architectural language with a precisely dated construction period.

The settlement of Vavřinec was founded in the 14th century, together with a church there, by monks from the Sázava Monastery of St. Procopius. This medieval foundation predates the construction of St. Lawrence Church by several centuries, placing the church in a distinctly later phase of the area’s history.

Vavřinec is also home to a surviving Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, dating from the mid-18th century. Another surviving historic building is the original granary of the Jesuit order, on the site of a former fortress. The two churches differ markedly in style: St. Lawrence is Pseudo-Gothic, while St. Nicholas is Baroque. Their construction periods also differ: St. Nicholas dates from the mid-18th century, while St. Lawrence was built in 1876–1877. The granary adds a different type of building and a connection to the former fortress site.

Getting There by Bus and Train

There are direct bus connections from Vavřinec to Uhlířské Janovice, Zásmuky, Kolín and Žíželice. Train services run towards Ledečko and Kolín. Check the current timetable for your travel date before setting off, as services may change. This will help you plan your journey around the connection that suits you best.

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