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Okor
Traces of medievalism in the boundaries of Prague
The castle of Okor may be spoted at a couple of miles from the outer circle of Prague. The village was mentioned for the first time in an official document in, but the castle was built later, in 1359. Against common practices, it wasn't a nobleman who ordered its erection, but a bourgeois, Frantisek Rokycansky from Prague.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was gradually enhanced and expanded. Finally, in the 17th century, owned by the Jesuits, the castle was heavily damaged due to the 30 Years War. When the Jesuits left the country, in the 18th century, Okor castle was abandoned and so it remained until our days.
However, our trip is not limited to the castle. We will start the day in the small and pictoresque village of Zákolani, visiting the church of Budec which presents a specific particularity: it was build about 900 by the prince Spytihnev II and its nave is the oldest stone structure in the country.
From here we proceed to Okor, following a trail along a nice stream of fresh water. We will have the chance to observe an imponent railway bridge, with two ample archs, built in stone, as well as a number of lovely houses.
Once in Okor we will visit the castle (if we will be visiting out of season, we may find a way to get in, if that happens to be the will of the group). Finally, while we wait for the bus back to Prague, we may try a nice and fresh beer in one of the local pubs - where a pint costs no more than 20 Czk, about 0,50 Eur).
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