Řetová: Cultural Monuments and a Forested Valley

Landscape and Natural Environment

Řetová lies in a valley bordered by forests on both sides. Elevations in the cadastral area range from 390 to 569.5 metres. The regulated Husí krk stream shapes the valley and flows into the Tichá Orlice.

The land-use plan that came into effect on 20 May 2022 lists the registered significant landscape features “Jalovce”, “Opukové osypy”, “Opučák” and “Bromion”. East of Řetová, “Jalovce” lies on a former pasture, where an isolated population of the endangered common juniper grows. The meadows of “Opukové osypy”, with marl outcrops and rare warmth-loving plants, lie on the cadastral boundary between Řetová and Přívrat. Juniper stands are the focus at “Jalovce”, while geological outcrops meet warmth-loving flora at “Opukové osypy”.

On the southern slope of Andrlův Chlum, at the edge of the forest, “Opučák” is a disused marl quarry with rare warmth- and lime-loving plants. Southwest of Řetová, at the edge of the forest, “Bromion” is home to warmth-loving grassland communities and a diverse insect fauna. Comparing the plants’ characteristics reveals a shared association with warmth at “Opukové osypy”, “Opučák” and “Bromion”; at “Opučák”, this is accompanied by an association with lime. The four landscape features are spread across different parts of the cadastral area, from the east and the boundary with Přívrat to the southern slope and the southwestern forest edge.

The cadastral area also contains four designated natural monuments in the form of protected commemorative trees. The same land-use plan records Orlice Nature Park north of road II/360, with a portion along its edge falling within the cadastral area.

Cultural Monuments in Řetová

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene, dating from 1755, is a landmark in Řetová. A protected perimeter wall surrounds the church; the ossuary by the church is a protected immovable cultural monument. The wall and ossuary are therefore closely associated with the prominent church building.

The mangle and bleaching house in Řetová, house number 137, is also a protected cultural monument. The statue of St. John of Nepomuk is another cultural monument in Řetová. Together, these named sites give an overview of the different monuments in the village: the church grounds, the mangle and bleaching house, and a statue.

Routes and Recreation

The NS “Okolo Řetové” educational trail is listed in the same land-use plan as one of the tourist routes designated for Řetová. Several marked cycling routes pass through the cadastral area of Řetová. When choosing a route, you can distinguish between a named educational trail and several marked cycling routes.

When there is sufficient snow, a groomed cross-country ski trail runs along the eastern ridge between Andrlův Chlum and the Kozlovská rozhledna observation tower. Snow cover is essential for this winter route, so check conditions before planning a cross-country skiing trip. Řetová also has a multi-purpose sports field with an ice rink, as well as facilities for tennis and volleyball. The activities therefore differ in their requirements and format: the ski trail depends on sufficient snow, while the sports field brings together several specific uses.

Transport and Planning

The regional IREDO system’s stop list, dated 11 May 2026, includes the Řetová, Na Mandlu bus stop. Check the current timetable before travelling, as services may change independently of the stop listing.

Discover more destinations: Rybník, Džbánov, Hejnice U Žamberka, Rudoltice, Zamberk, Letohrad, Cotkytle, Semanín

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.