In the Footsteps of Heroes: Sites around Pardubice
The area around Pardubice is also full of stories of courage and remarkable acts from the 20th century. Just a short trip outside the city will take you to places where history is still very present. From dramatic wartime events to quiet reminders of everyday heroes, each location offers a powerful experience and a moment to reflect.
Major Aubrecht Footbridge – Lázně Bohdaneč
The Major Aubrecht Footbridge is one of the most interesting modern structures in the Pardubice region. It stands on the so-called Legionnaire Trail, a thematic route commemorating two important resistance figures of the 20th century – Lieutenant Colonel Karel Tiller and Major Franjo Aubrecht.
The bridge crosses the Opatovice Canal near the golf course and is inspired by a design by Leonardo da Vinci. Its construction is particularly unique – it was assembled without nails or screws, using a clever system of interlocking wooden parts.
It was officially opened on 28 September 2022, Czech Statehood Day. Information panels along the trail introduce the stories of both men and the history of the resistance in the region.
Civil Defence Observation Post – Mikulovice
The Civil Defence observation post near Mikulovice was built in 1964 as part of Czechoslovakia’s Cold War defence system. It was used to monitor the surrounding area and important industrial sites in case of military conflict.
Today the fully restored underground structure houses a small museum. It is one of the few publicly accessible and authentically equipped observation posts of its kind in the Czech Republic.
From the outside, only a small observation dome and the entrance shaft are visible – the main structure is hidden underground and was designed to protect against blast waves and radiation.
The site is open only on selected days. Current opening times are announced on its website and social media.
East Bohemian Aviation Archive – Čepí
The East Bohemian Aviation Archive is located in the village of Čepí, about 10 km from Pardubice. The small exhibition focuses mainly on aviation during World War II and includes several unique artefacts such as aircraft engine parts discovered in the region.
Although the archive does not have a large museum building, its collection offers an interesting insight into local aviation history and will appeal especially to aviation enthusiasts.
Visits are arranged individually by appointment.
Ležáky Memorial
Ležáky is a memorial site commemorating the tragic destruction of the village on 24 June 1942. The Nazis destroyed the entire settlement as retaliation for supporting the resistance movement connected with the Silver A paratrooper group.
Before the war, Ležáky was a small village surrounded by forests and fields. Its residents lived mainly from agriculture and stone quarrying. After the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazis decided to eliminate the village. The inhabitants were executed or deported to concentration camps.
Today the Ležáky Memorial stands on the site of the original village and serves as a place of remembrance and reflection. Visitors can see memorial plaques, the outlines of former houses and an exhibition about the history of the village and the tragic events of 1942.
Since 2008 the memorial has been administered by the Lidice Memorial. The area also includes a museum and a 13-kilometre educational trail.