Dukovany – Nuclear Power Plant, Castle and Historic Sites

Dukovany combines an unusual history of technology with castle architecture, ecclesiastical architectural history and a striking river landscape. This creates a destination where different interests can be explored side by side: the visitor centre of the nuclear power plant provides a modern accent, while Dukovany Castle, the Kostel sv. Václava church and the Rabštejn ruins lead through different historical eras.

Technology at the Nuclear Power Plant Visitor Centre

The Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant Visitor Centre offers a guided tour with interactive exhibits. It illustrates the path of the fuel, the production unit and the nuclear reactor. The tour is therefore not merely a viewing of individual exhibits, but presents the plant’s processes in a continuous tour.

In addition, the visitor centre offers an interactive virtual tour through the controlled area of the power plant. Those interested in technology can deliberately combine this focus with Dukovany’s historical destinations.

Rabštejn Ruins Above the Jihlava

The Rabštejn ruins form a striking contrast to the technical facility. They rise on a steep rock above the Jihlava River and combine the landscape of the river valley with visible traces of an earlier fortification. Ramparts, ditches and small wall remains of the outer enclosing wall of the central area have been preserved. It is precisely this combination of rock, river and surviving structural elements that makes Rabštejn an independent cultural and historical destination.

At the visitor centre, technical connections are the focus; at the ruins, the terrain and the remains of the fortifications can be viewed together. This does not imply any specific accessibility or a particular circular route, which should be checked separately in each case.

Castle and Church in Dukovany

Dukovany Castle is a late Baroque castle that was extensively reconstructed from 2015 to 2017. The tour includes the Pantehon Hall with original frescoes from 1790. A visit to the castle therefore focuses clearly on the interiors, furnishings and late Baroque design.

Another historical layer is represented by the “Kostel sv. Václava” church in Dukovany. It has Gothic origins dating back to the 13th century; its present form is late Baroque and dates from the 18th century. The church has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958. Together with the castle, it offers a concentrated insight into different architectural and historical periods in Dukovany, without the site’s technical themes having to fade into the background.

Landscape and Local Tradition

The Dukovany area is touched by the site of European importance CZ0614134 – Údolí řeky Jihlavy. This classification complements the historical and technical destinations with a landscape connection to the Jihlava. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consciously determine the focus of your stay: it may be the nuclear power plant, the history of the castle and church, the Rabštejn ruins or the landscape of the Jihlava Valley.

Dukovanské stezky has a history spanning more than 25 years and was held as its 27th edition. Thus, in addition to the permanent sights, a local tradition is also part of the documented history of the destination. During a stay in Dukovany, technology, cultural history, landscape and a regionally rooted event can be combined.

More Destinations for Your Research

If you would like to extend your search beyond Dukovany, you can also view Čikov, Příštpo, Valeč, Slavičky, Vladislav, Štěměchy, Radkovice U Budče and Pálovice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Třebíč District.