Holiday apartment in Doubravy: Culture, Nature and Living Traditions

Doubravy combines an agricultural landscape with remarkable examples of folk architecture, religious sites and living local customs. Between the village square, chapel, wetland and the landscape forms of the Vizovické vrchy, a multifaceted picture of this Czech locality emerges.

Culture and Local History

A defining structure in the western part of the village square is the wooden bell tower. The small wooden structure stands on a stone base, has a square floor plan and a hipped roof. Two posts support the covered bell frame. The present form of the old bell tower dates from 1848. During its restoration, original building elements and traditional forms of folk architecture were preserved; for this, it received an award in the regional “Village of the Year” competition in 2024.

The religious heritage of Doubravy includes the Chapel of Saint Adalbert, a cultural monument of local significance that was consecrated in 2011. Inside is the painting “Průvod svatých” by the academic painter František Peňáz. The chapel also has a bell tower with the bells Silvestr and Veronika. Masses are occasionally celebrated there, and believers also meet there for communal prayer.

Further traces of local history can be found in the built-up area. There are five stone crosses, as well as a memorial to the victims of the First World War. The old granary is the only fully preserved agricultural building in Doubravy that has retained its original form.

Local customs range from children’s folklore to seasonal festivities. The Doubravjánek children’s folklore ensemble has been active in Doubravy for several years and also performs in neighboring municipalities. One traditional New Year’s custom is “Podávání botů”, in which boys visit girls in their homes. Revived traditions also include the spring festival “Pálení čarodějnic”. Doubravy also has a tradition of summer performances by brass bands. During the Christmas season, people meet at the chapel for a program by Doubravjánek, sing Christmas carols together and celebrate a living nativity scene.

Nature and Landscape

Doubravy lies in the Vizovické vrchy, in an agricultural landscape characterized by meadow farming and open views. The terrain is varied and defined by gently dynamic landscape lines. The undeveloped landscape predominantly forms an economically oriented mosaic of forest blocks, strips of landscape greenery and grassland.

In the northern part of Doubravy lies Uhliska, a 14.25-hectare wetland along the floodplain of the Černý potok stream. Uhliska lies in the cadastral area of Doubravy and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Protected species found there include the dusky large blue butterfly and the large copper butterfly. Uhliska is located in the immediate vicinity of Doubravy.

The landscape around Doubravy is suitable for short cycling trips, walks and agrotourism. This offers different ways of experiencing the locality and its surroundings: paths through the rural, varied landscape lie alongside natural areas and the cultural sites in the village.

Exploring Doubravy

Regional cycle route 5055 from Topolná to Zlín runs through Doubravy. It follows roads used for local traffic. Road II/490 provides the area’s transport connection, linking Doubravy to the higher-level road network. The village has one bus stop serving both directions and one serving a single direction.

In Doubravy, transport connections, village culture and open landscape each shape distinct aspects of the locality. The wooden bell tower, the Chapel of Saint Adalbert, the traditional festivals and the Uhliska wetland each represent a different side of Doubravy.

Other places in the surrounding area: Hrobice, Rokytnice, Březnice, Pozlovice, Vlachovice, Haluzice, Kaňovice, Drnovice U Valašských Klobouk.

For the broader travel overview: Zlín District.