*An easy walk along the monuments’ trail in historic Roudnice nad Labem: 4 km (extendable)*
- Roudnice is one of the country’s oldest towns, founded in the 12th century at a strategic crossing point of the Labe (Elbe) river. It had one of Bohemia’s earliest (12th century Romanesque) stone castles, whose remains have been incorporated into today’s imposing Baroque chateau. The town is full of historic monuments from various different periods. An interesting 4 km education trail (with nicely presented Cz/En/De language information boards) loops around the main sites.
- The route is shown in the map below – it should be manageable with a stroller, but there are some step sections. There is a small viewing tower towards the end of the route (map point 8), which has a very nice view over the town, with the volcanic landscape of the České středohoří mountains on the horizon.
- The chateau has been owned since the beginning of the 17th century by the aristocratic Lobkowicz family. It can be visited on guided tours, which need to be booked in the town information office or on-line. There is also an historic winery, where the Lobkowicz wines may be tasted.
- One of the highlights of the monuments trail is a visit to the 14th century Augustinian monastery and adjoining Baroque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Both may be toured throughout the year. The monastery cloister is one of Bohemia’s most important (and attractive) Gothic monuments.
- There are various good refreshment options in Roudnice. For a nice café, try Dortletka on Husovo náměstí (map point 3) or for more substantial meals, Caffé Říp in the restored cultural house has a nice terrace (map point 4). Excellent cakes and ice creams are served at the CUKROŠ café on the main square (map point 2) and during the summer season the outdoor Street Food bistro is a popular option – located beside the chateau walls (map point 10).
- The trip can be extended with visit to the national pilgrimage site of Říp mountain – some 6 km or so away from from Roudnice center (the trail begins near the viewing tower). This separate walk is described here.
Directions
- Roudnice can be reached by train from Prague’s main station in less than an hour. For drivers there are (paid) parking spots directly on the main square near the chateau
- The trail starts in the main (Karlovo) square. The chateau can be visited either at the beginning or end of the route
- Follow the red/white diagonal stripe educational trail markers along the whole route, starting by walking down the Varhanová passageway into the pretty side square Husovo náměstí
- Follow the trail markers from there (the suggested loop runs anti-clockwise). The first stop after leaving the Husovo square is the Augustinian monastery – which is worth a visit
