Bítovany: Nature, Geology and Local Culture

Bítovany brings together protected nature, geology and sacred art. Farář Pond, the Na Syslích rock outcrop and the branch church of St Bartholomew the Apostle represent different sides of the town. If you are considering Bítovany as a place to stay overnight, these specific highlights can help you decide what you are most interested in: a natural monument, geological features, sacred art or an activity for children. The following local features offer concrete points of reference.

Farář Pond: Natural Monument and Habitat

Farář Pond is part of the natural monument of the same name in the cadastral area of Bítovany. Its shoreline provides nesting sites for many species of waterbirds. The pond is also the only known site in the Pardubický Region for the critically endangered floating hornwort. At this named location, two perspectives come together: the shoreline as a habitat and a botanical feature of regional significance. If nature and species conservation are factors in your travel plans, the pond offers a specific point of interest.

Geology around Na Syslích

The Na Syslích rock outcrop is part of the Farář Natural Monument. It is suitable for introducing and popularizing geological features, and is easily accessible. It therefore complements the pond with another aspect of the same natural monument: while the pond is associated with shoreline habitats and aquatic plants, geological features take centre stage at the outcrop. Conditions at the site may change; check them shortly before your visit.

At the southern edge of Bítovany, the information board about the geosite stands before the turn-off to Horní Mlýn, opposite the football pitch. If you are looking for the board, these two landmarks provide specific directions. Bítovany is also located in the central part of the Železné hory National Geopark, near its northern boundary. This places the town within its broader geological context.

Branch Church of St Bartholomew

Bítovany is home to the branch church of St Bartholomew the Apostle. It adds a sacred local landmark to the nature-focused attractions.

A Side Altar with a Cranach Copy

The side altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help contains a painted copy of Cranach’s depiction of the Madonna of Passau. The altarpiece offers a different focus from the pond and geosite: here, a specific subject from sacred art takes centre stage.

Animal Encounters and Group Activities

Dřevěná Exotika at the Bítovany Ranch gives children the opportunity to interact directly with goats, kids and miniature sheep. The animals on offer may change, so check which animals are currently there before your visit. For children who value direct contact with animals, this is a specific factor to consider when choosing a destination.

Dřevěná Exotika organises programmes by individual arrangement for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and similar institutions. If you are planning a visit with a group, arrange the programme in advance.

A Rest Stop by the Pond

A local description from 2021 calls Bítovany Stonehenge a rest stop beside Farář Pond and a destination for excursions by local residents and tourists.

Discover more destinations: Sec, Bestvina, Ústupky, Všeradov, Peralec, Rostejn, Vejvanovice, Ronov Nad Doubravou.

See the main travel overview: Chrudim District.