Sázava is a small town on the river of the same name, east of Prague, best known for its monastery, one of the oldest in Bohemia. The Benedictine abbey was founded in the eleventh century by Saint Procopius, a hermit, and for a time it was a centre of Slavonic liturgy before Latin replaced it. Today, the monastery is a museum, with a Gothic church, Romanesque remains and medieval frescoes.
The Sázava river winds through a deep, wooded valley here, and it is popular with canoeists, campers and swimmers in summer. There are several places along the river where people swim, and campsites with access to the water. Check conditions locally, as currents and water levels vary.
The town also has a long tradition of glassmaking, and the old Kavalier glassworks was once one of the most important in the country. The surrounding countryside is a mix of forest, fields and small villages, with plenty of quiet roads to explore.
The riding here is pleasant, with roads following the river valley and climbing onto the surrounding plateau. Bends are frequent, and some roads are narrow and rough. Traffic is generally light. Fuel and food are available in Sázava and nearby towns. As a high point, the plateau above the valley offers views over the forested hills and the winding river below.