Dolní Kralovice – History, Chapel and Želivka

Dolní Kralovice is a destination where local history, a waterside landscape and active experiences come together in a special way. The Želivka Reservoir represents not only the landscape but also a profound turning point in the history of the town. This picture is complemented by a chapel with an unusual history, the Láb recreational pond, sports facilities near the market square and local hiking routes with moderate ascents and descents.

From Kralovice to the Želivka Reservoir

The first written mention of Kralovice dates back to the end of the 11th century. The original settlement of Dolní Kralovice probably developed from fishermen’s huts on the banks of the fish-rich Želivka River. The town’s history therefore reaches far back and is closely connected with the water. This gives you a way to approach Dolní Kralovice that does not begin with a modern view of the town, but with the settlement’s early origins.

The construction of the Želivka Reservoir led to the planned destruction of the original towns of Dolní Kralovice and Horní Kralovice; demolition began in 1968. The former transport connection is also part of this historical development: the last passenger train from Benešov to Dolní Kralovice ran on 23 July 1974.

A Chapel with a Special Local History

The chapel of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, “kaple Narození sv. Jana Křtitele,” is located in Dolní Kralovice. Its history is directly connected with the changes brought about by the reservoir. The chapel was built after the original church had been flooded by the reservoir and an assembly hall had been converted into a church. Those interested in the cultural side of the town will therefore find not just a single building here, but a visible chapter of the town’s history.

Water, Sports and Hiking Routes

The Láb recreational pond was later created by residents of Dolní Kralovice. The sports complex near the market square includes a football pitch with a covered stand and a multi-purpose artificial-turf field. This field is used primarily for tennis, as well as volleyball, small-sided football and nohejbal. When planning a trip, you can thus combine historical discoveries with a range of sporting activities without reducing the town to a single attraction.

Local hiking routes are available for active exploration. They feature moderate ascents and descents and are therefore among the less demanding routes. When planning a hike, you can assess the desired level of activity based on the moderate ascents and descents. If you enjoy dividing your days between local history, landscapes and physical activity, you can take this varied character into account when choosing your activities. Dolní Kralovice thus offers options both for those interested in cultural history and for those seeking more relaxed hiking plans.

Discover More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also explore Slapy-Nedvezi, Řimovice, Benešov, Václavice, Netvořice, Čechtice, Pravonín and Kamberk .

For the higher-level travel overview: Benešov District.