stone bridge over the Výmola

The stone bridge over the Výmola is a historic two-arch bridge on the edge of the Škvorecká obora – Králičina nature reserve, in the cadastral territory of Dobročovice near Prague. Modest in scale, it stands out as one of the more distinctive examples of 19th-century bridge engineering in the region.

Location and how to get there

The bridge sits at the boundary of Škvorecká obora, a former hunting park of the Liechtenstein family, in the municipality of Dobročovice, a short distance east of Prague. A nature trail, cycle route number 8207, and a red-marked hiking trail connecting the towns of Úvaly and Říčany all cross the bridge, making it an easy stop on foot or by bike for anyone exploring the reserve.

Construction

The bridge is built from large sandstone blocks with massive stone parapets, using a faced-masonry technique that combines rough and dressed stone — a construction method rarely seen in bridges of similar scale and significance. The two-arch structure spans the small Výmola stream and, despite the modest size of the watercourse itself, gives an impression of solid, deliberate craftsmanship.

History

The stone bridge replaced an older wooden crossing, which is still visible on maps from the first military survey of the Habsburg monarchy. The current stone structure was built between 1842 and 1846, during a period when the Liechtenstein estate owners carried out extensive improvements throughout Škvorecká obora — laying out avenues, footbridges and other elements of park infrastructure that served both forestry management and the family's representative needs.

Thanks to its good state of preservation and technical value, the bridge was listed as a Czech cultural monument in 2007, confirming its significance as evidence of 19th-century engineering tied to the development of a noble estate on the outskirts of Prague.

What else to see nearby

Škvorecká obora is today a protected natural area combining old-growth trees, small ponds, and remnants of the former park layout. Walking the trail that crosses the bridge reveals not only the monument itself but also the landscape of a former hunting ground, which has retained many natural features that disappeared from most agricultural land around Prague long ago. The spot is popular with cyclists and walkers looking for a quiet route close to the capital.

Best time to visit

Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, when the reserve's vegetation is at its fullest and the walking and cycling trails are in the best condition. Autumn, with its colorful foliage and fewer visitors, also makes for a pleasant, quiet outing along the Výmola.

Frequently asked questions

When was the stone bridge over the Výmola built? The current stone structure dates from 1842–1846, built on the site of an older wooden bridge.

What is the bridge made of? It is built from large sandstone blocks using faced masonry that combines rough and dressed stone, with massive stone parapets.

Where exactly is the bridge located? On the edge of the Škvorecká obora – Králičina nature reserve, in the cadastral territory of Dobročovice, along the trail connecting Úvaly and Říčany.

Is the bridge a protected monument? Yes, it was listed as a Czech cultural monument in 2007.