History and sights
The city’s name Rokycany comes from the word “rokytí”, meaning low willow trees in a meadow. The first mention of the city came in the 12th century, and thanks to its strategic position on the important trade and diplomatic road from Prague to Bavaria, Rokycany grew quickly. The city has a rich history closely associated with iron ore mining and metallurgy.
The main historical sights include the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, a distinct Gothic structure, and the City Hall, which dominates the central Masaryk Square. On the first floor, you’ll find the ceremonial hall and its painting by A. Mucha, which depicts Sir Jan Rokycana at the Council of Florence. Other sights include the remains of the city’s fortifications and many historical homes. The Museum of Dr. Bohuslav Horák is also worth mentioning, as it offers an exposition dedicated to palaeontology and ironmongery.
Visiting the museum, the stars, or the observation tower
The local Museum on the Demarcation Line is dedicated to the military, the fortifications, and the battles in this region. The multimedia exhibit deals with the history of the Czechoslovak defence and presents over 150 pieces of authentic military equipment. The museum also features an educational path, where visitors can pass through underground corridors and replicas of the buildings that once served as part of the country’s border defence.
We’d also recommend visiting the local observatory, where you can reserve your spot to discover the one-of-a-kind star exhibit. And if you choose to visit between February and April or September and November, you can examine the night sky every Thursday after sunset. Then there’s the nearby, 28-metre-tall observation tower on Kotel Hill. This architecturally intriguing structure made of wood and iron offers panoramic views of the Bohemian Forest, the Brdy Mountains, and Radyně Castle. And if you’re lucky, you can see all the way to the Alps. The hill is located to the south of Rokycany and the blue hiking path will lead you to the top. It’s a 1.5 km walk from the trailhead car park at the bottom of the hill, and the observation tower is open year-round.
Rokycany also offers loads of sports activities. You’ll find here a modern sporting ground, where you can play football, tennis, or go for a swim. The city regularly holds various cultural and social events. Some of the most popular include the Gathering Under Rokycany Tower, the Beer Festival, the Rokycany Wine Celebration, and the Rokycany Summer of Culture.
