Memorials in Czechia

Novohradská Gate – a quiet passage out of the historic core
A stone arch marks the southern end of Třeboň’s fortifications, linking the center with the road to the Svět Pond and towards Nové Hrady. Unlike the inner gates – Budějovická, Svinenská, or Hradecká – it belongs to the second line of defensive walls, built in the first half of the 16th century by Štěpánek Netolický. The gate guards an important place in the town, protected as part of the cultural heritage of Třeboň’s fortifications.
 

What will catch Your eye – architecture and a reminder of medieval defense

• A massive gate with a Gothic pointed arch, connected to fortifications built in two lines
• A collapsed drawbridge, with pulleys still visible, once crossed an arm of the Zlatá stoka canal
• A Latin inscription in two languages dedicated to the free town of Třeboň, under the protection of the Rožmberk and Schwarzenberg families
• Next to the gate once stood a bridge, now filled in, and a preserved Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk

For whom the gate is an ideal stop

• For enthusiasts of medieval and Renaissance fortification architecture
• For visitors looking for an example of town defenses combined with historic decoration
• Access to the gate is outdoors and without narrow or confined spaces – suitable even for those with limited mobility

Where the Novohradská Gate is located and how to visit
It is located just beyond the Svinenská Gate, on the southern side of the town’s central square. A walk from the center is easy and pleasant, and the site can be easily included in a wider historic sightseeing route.

A gate that holds the story of the town’s defense and freedom in stone
The Novohradská Gate is not only an entrance but also a monument to civic freedom, architecture, and attention to detail. Every feature tells of a time when the town was under protection – yet today it breathes with the calm granted by time.

Svinenská Gate – a silent witness to the centuries of Třeboň
The stone landmark of the southern part of Třeboň’s historic core is one of the city’s most valuable monuments. The Svinenská Gate was built in the 14th century as part of the town fortifications and gained its present form during the Renaissance reconstruction of 1525–1527 under the guidance of Štěpánek Netolický. The characteristic sgraffito decoration from 1571 and the statue of the Madonna with Child on the southern side give it a unique beauty that invites You to pause.

 

What You will see here – a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance

• The original Gothic gate rebuilt in the Renaissance style with typical gabled arcades
• Sgraffito decoration of the façade, an important testimony to 16th-century craftsmanship
• Statue of the Madonna with Child placed on the southern side of the gate
• The surroundings of the gate include historic buildings and a pleasant square with places to rest
  
   

For whom the visit is interesting

• For lovers of history, architecture, and monuments
• For photographers seeking authentic details of the historic town
• The area is accessible on level ground and suitable also for visitors with limited mobility
• Entry with dogs is not allowed
  
   

Where the gate is located and how to reach it
The Svinenská Gate stands at the southern edge of Masaryk Square in the historic center of Třeboň. It is accessible on foot and by car, with parking available near the center. The area offers other interesting monuments that can be combined into a pleasant city walk.

A jewel that has survived the centuries
The Svinenská Gate is not only a remnant of the town fortifications but also a strong symbol of Třeboň’s history. Every detail of its decoration recalls the city’s rich past and adds an unmistakable atmosphere to its center.

House of Štěpánek Netolický – a Renaissance gem where the heritage of pond culture lives on
Imagine an ancient Renaissance burgher house right on Masaryk Square in Třeboň, built on Gothic foundations and bearing the name of the famous pond builder Štěpánek Netolický. After a sensitive restoration, it now serves as the Třeboň Pond Heritage Center – a place where history becomes an experience.

 

What You will find here – an interactive journey into the world of ponds

• Gothic-Renaissance architecture with the original layout and preserved details such as vaulting and cellar spaces
• A permanent exhibition dedicated to pond management: historical documents, measuring tools, large-scale maps, a model of Zlatá stoka – with real water flow control
• The space is complemented by a multifunctional gallery for exhibitions, creative workshops, lectures, and cultural events
• The building received the Presta honorary award for sensitive restoration and preservation of historical value
  
   

For whom this house was created

• For those interested in history, architecture, and the unique pond heritage of the Třeboň region
• For families, school groups, and individuals attracted by interactive forms of learning
• The site is barrier-free thanks to an elevator allowing access also for wheelchair users and families with strollers
• Entry with dogs is not allowed – out of respect for the exhibitions and the environment
  
   

Where to find it and what You will experience
The house stands directly in the historic core of Třeboň on Masaryk Square. It is easily accessible by car or public transport, with parking nearby. Upon entering, You will enjoy a walk through history that combines technology, maps, and digital guidance with a visually engaging exhibition.

A house that connects water, history, and the present
The House of Štěpánek Netolický is not just a tourist stop – it is a living center where the past is transformed into a creative experience. The interactive exhibition will take You into the time-space of a pond genius. It revives the legacy of the past and opens it for today – in dreams and in reality.

Třeboňské senníky as hidden treasures of wet meadows

Imagine a vast area near Třeboň where, among peat meadows, you will find a group of small log structures – Třeboňské senníky (hay barns). They served for the temporary storage of hay, as the wet soil made it impossible to transport it until winter, when the ground froze. Today, these architectural remnants of an agricultural past are a protected monument.

A silent legacy of the traditional countryside

Set off to a place where time has stood still. The wet meadows are adorned with a unique set of historic hay barns, which are silent witnesses to traditional farming in the Třeboň landscape. Although there were once dozens of them here, thanks to the efforts of the town hall and local enthusiasts, the most valuable ones have been preserved and restored. Some of them date back to the era of the Rožmberkovci family and originate from as early as the first half of the 19th century. These picturesque structures are not only a monument but also an inspiration for artists, painters, and filmmakers; you might recognize them from the popular fairy tale Pyšná princezná.

Why visit?

The hay barns are an ideal destination for anyone looking for peace, an ancient atmosphere, and a touch of authentic folk architecture. They are perfect for leisurely cycling trips, walks with a camera, or a painter's easel.

How to get there or a journey between history and meadows

The hay barns are located between the historic center and the Na Kopečku district; you can get there by car, bicycle, or public transport. Convenient parking and cycling paths make a visit easy. It can be combined with a visit to Třeboň and its surroundings.

Hay barns as a place of silence and memories

Třeboňské senníky are more than just buildings. They are silent proverbs of rural life, where the grass, wood, and moisture from the wet meadows together tell a story of care, patience, and the genius loci of the landscape. Come visit them and let yourself be carried away by their tranquility.

The secret of forest refreshment – when nature calls you to swim
Imagine a peaceful place surrounded by greenery, where you wake up to birdsong and the sight of a natural swimming pond promising true refreshment. Borek Swimming Pool is a summer retreat for everyone looking for a blend of relaxation and invigorating fun. It is open during the summer season from June to September, only in favorable weather.
 

Water experiences for everyone – what awaits you here

• A natural water area with biofiltration, chemical-free water suitable even for allergy sufferers, with a depth of up to around 3.6 m, a pier, and a diving board.
• A paddling pool and a playground full of games for the youngest visitors.
• A beach volleyball court; next to the swimming area in summer a public street hockey rink, and in winter an ice rink.
• A sun terrace overlooking the water surface with refreshments available.

Forest café by the water – how to get here and what you will find
Borek Swimming Pool is located in a quiet setting by a forest and a stream, giving the place a natural atmosphere and a sense of privacy. It is accessible by car and public transport, with parking available directly at the site.

The area includes a terrace with refreshments, toilets, changing rooms, and lockers. The surrounding nature and sports facilities offer the chance to extend your visit with a walk or other activities.

A summer experience with the scent of the forest
Borek Swimming Pool is a place where you can forget the city hustle and let yourself be carried away by the comfort of natural swimming. Clean water, safe facilities, space for sport and relaxation, and easy accessibility make it an ideal destination for hot summer days.

The town of Turnov is one of the district towns in the Královéhradecký kraj. As in every proper centre, visitors will find a landmark in the town square here as well. In Trutnov, this is represented by the Krakonošova kašna (Krakonoš Fountain), which, among other things, points to the proximity of our largest mountain range, the Krkonoše. Originally, until 1605, only a smaller wooden fountain stood here, which was subsequently replaced by a new one. A dragon made of white sandstone stood out on it, and for this reason, it was called the Dračí studna (Dragon Well). In 1892, it was replaced by the Krakonošova kašna.

The author of the design was a professor at the Trutnov secondary technical school, J. Kirschner. The fountain consists of a granite basin and a sandstone core. And, of course, there is also a metal sculpture of the mountain guardian, Krakonoš. Interestingly, a tin box containing documentary information about this structure was placed in the central part of the well.

The original statue of Krakonoš was manufactured at the A. Castner art foundry in Berlin. However, as it was already considerably damaged by age and weather conditions over time, it was replaced in 2001 by a bronze replica from the workshop of J. Janeček from Vamberk. Since 2015, Krakonoš has been joined by four dwarf companions, so-called gnomes. Their creator is the Trutnov native P. Skavová.

The Krakonošova studna (Krakonoš Well) is a wonderful place for relaxation. Visitors are invited to stop here during their wanderings through Trutnov and soak up the atmosphere. The surrounding picturesque historical houses and their arcades will also provide shelter in case of wind or rain.

Should the weather be unfavourable, it is recommended to "take cover" while also learning something new at the Muzeum Podkrkonoší. It will introduce several gems of the Trutnovsko region in the form of replicas of castles, chateaux, and rural homesteads. Conversely, on a hot summer day, pleasant refreshment can be found at the MEBYS Trutnov summer swimming pool.

So, would you like to see the lord of the mountains, Krakonoš, or visit another one of Trutnov's attractions? What is holding you back? Plan your holiday and start looking for suitable accommodation in the Trutnovsko region. There are many options here; family cottages, comfortable apartments, and even multi-star hotels or guesthouses will provide a place where you can rest your head at night and recharge your energy for a new day full of experiences. And if you wish to start your tour with the aforementioned icon of the Trutnov square, finding suitable accommodation near the Krakonošova kašna will not be difficult with the help of the MegaUbytko portal. We wish you a pleasant stay!

Wooden Belfry in Rtyně v Podkrkonoší – a unique keeper of time

This exceptional wooden belfry stands in the cemetery next to the Church of St. John the Baptist. It was probably built between 1592–1594, according to dendrochronology, and belongs among the oldest and technically most unique belfries of its kind in the Czech Republic and Europe.
 

What awaits you here – history, structure, and the silence of bells

• Polygonal wooden structure on a stone octagonal base, topped with a slender tall roof covered with shingles, without a single metal connection – everything is held together by wooden pegs and so-called floating joints
• Inside are three historic bells:
  • Umíráček (Mračník) from 1471 (159 kg), originally used to announce storms
  • Poledník from 1545 (250 kg), a more ceremonial noontime bell
  • Slavnostní from 1644 (approx. 350 kg), ringing only on special occasions

Who the belfry is ideal for

• Lovers of medieval engineering, Gothic forms, and silent history
• Tourist groups, schools, and individuals who will appreciate the original architecture and symbolism of the site
• Access is easy, flat up to the church
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what else to experience
The belfry stands next to the Church of St. John the Baptist at the exit from the town towards Červený Kostelec or Náchod. Parking is available in the center of Rtyně. Regular guided tours are provided by the Rtyně Town Museum, mainly between May and September.

A symbol ringing in the rhythm of history
The wooden belfry in Rtyně is not just an architectural gem — it is a timeless expression of calm, precision, and human skill. Come and listen to the stories of the bells that have known centuries — and perhaps you will also hear the whisper of the landscape beneath the Krkonoše mountains.