Děčany between Baba, the railway and history

Děčany lies at the foot of the 306-metre-high Baba hill. The area offers several specific reasons to choose it as a destination: the landscape of the České středohoří, the architectural history of St. Martin’s Church in Solany and the history of the Solanka pear variety. The Švestková dráha also takes passengers to cultural destinations and the surrounding countryside.

Landscape around Baba

Baba is a wooded summit in the České středohoří above Děčany. A tall, distinctive rock stands on its western slope. From there, the view extends westwards to the peaks of Milá, Oblík and Srdov, as well as the surrounding area. This viewpoint offers a direct view of the surrounding landscape and the distinctive ridge at the village. The district of Semeč is also part of the landscape: it lies within the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area.

The Švestková dráha and its destinations

The Lovosice–Most railway line was built between 1897 and 1898. In Solany, it is now operated by AŽD as the Švestková dráha. The Švestková dráha’s U10 service is operated by AŽD Praha. The Ústecký kraj Integrated Transport System fares and conditions of carriage, as well as the One Ticket unified fare, apply on the trains. Since fares and operating rules may change, check this information before travelling.

The railway takes passengers to the Czech Garnet Museum, to Ulrike von Levetzow, to the foot of Košťálov and Oltářík castles, and into the surrounding countryside. Alongside railway history, the line offers visitors a range of destinations: a museum, a connection to Ulrike von Levetzow, a landscape of castles and natural surroundings. For your travel planning, it is worth checking the timetable for your route.

St. Martin’s Church in Solany

Solany is a district of Děčany. It is home to St. Martin’s Church, which was built at the beginning of the second half of the 14th century. Its presbytery dates from that period and has a cross vault and a six-rayed vault. The organ was built in 1867 by Prague organ builder Karel Vocelka. This building therefore brings together medieval architecture and an instrument from the 19th century.

The church belongs to the municipality and is used for cultural events, as well as being a popular venue for weddings. A wayside shrine is also among the historic monuments in Děčany. The first written mention of the village is probably dated to 1226.

The history of the Solanka pear

The Solanka pear variety is also part of Solany’s history. It has been known there since the mid-19th century and also became known abroad. Solanka pears were still being exported in the 1950s; in the first half of the 20th century, they were the most expensive pears. These dates offer insight into a history stretching from the variety’s earlier renown to its exports in the 20th century.

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can choose Děčany according to your interests: Baba offers landscape and views, the church in Solany offers architectural and musical history, and the Švestková dráha connects you to the excursions mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Doksany, Budyně Nad Ohří, Čížkovice, Mnetěš, Keblice, Třebušín, Přestavlky U Roudnice Nad Labem, Horní Řepčice

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Litoměřice.