Doubravy: Natural Environment, Cultural Heritage and Hotels

Doubravy is located in the Vizovice Highlands, in an agricultural landscape shaped by meadow farming, open vistas and a varied relief with gently dynamic landscape lines. The village combines this landscape with small cultural monuments, religious sites and traditional customs.

Landscape

The undeveloped landscape of Doubravy consists predominantly of an economically managed mosaic of forest blocks, bands 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; at the same time, the area is located in the immediate surroundings of Doubravy. Protected species found in Uhliska include the dusky large blue and the large copper butterfly.

Even outside the wetland, the character of the landscape remains clearly recognizable: meadows, open areas, forest blocks and the varied relief define the scenery. The countryside around Doubravy is suitable for short cycling trips, walks and agritourism.

Routes and Transport

Regional cycle route 5055 from Topolná to Zlín passes through Doubravy along roads used for local traffic. Road II/490 is also important for the area's transport connections: it links Doubravy with the higher-level road network and ensures the area's transport accessibility. Doubravy has one bus stop serving both directions and one serving a single direction.

Culture

The village contains several stone and wooden examples of local architectural and commemorative culture. Five stone crosses are located in the built-up area of Doubravy. There is also a monument 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.

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

The Chapel of Saint Adalbert in Doubravy is a cultural monument of local importance and was consecrated in 2011. The chapel contains the painting “Průvod svatých” by the academic painter František Peňáz. The chapel includes a zvonice with the bells Silvestr and Veronika.

Customs and Spiritual Life

Cultural life includes the Doubravjánek children's folklore ensemble, which has been active in Doubravy for several years and also performs in neighboring municipalities. Doubravy also preserves the New Year's custom of “Podávání botů”, in which boys visit girls in their homes. Revived traditions include the spring festival “Pálení čarodějnic”. Doubravy also has a tradition of hosting a summer showcase of brass bands.

The Chapel of Saint Adalbert is not merely an architectural monument. Masses are occasionally celebrated there, and believers also meet there for communal prayer. During the Christmas season, people gather at the chapel for a performance by Doubravjánek, sing Christmas carols together and celebrate a living nativity scene.

Other Places

Other places for comparison include Dolní Lhota, Zádverice, Lutonina, Halenkovice, Podhradí U Luhačovic, Návojná, Spytihněv and Petrůvka.

For the overarching travel overview: Zlín District.