Where to go on a trip Postupice

A Neo-Gothic Residence Surrounded by a Landscape Park, Inseparably Connected with Baroness Sidonie Nádherná.

Zámek Vrchotovy Janovice, originally a water fortress, is located approximately 60 km south of Prague in the Central Bohemian Region. It acquired its current romantic Neo-Gothic appearance following extensive reconstruction in the mid-19th century. The chateau is inseparably connected with its last private owners, the Nádherný of Borutín family, particularly the famous Baroness Sidonie Nádherná, a patron of the arts and friend of Karl Kraus and Rainer Maria Rilke. For more than 50 years, the property has been part of the exhibitions of the Národní muzeum in Prague, which presents permanent exhibitions here in an authentic environment. The dominant feature of the entire complex is an extensive, over two-hundred-year-old landscape park with a pond and rare trees, which ranks among the most admired parks in Bohemia.

Access

The chateau is located in the village of Vrchotovy Janovice. Access by car from Prague is via road number E55 (the D1 motorway) with a turnoff onto road number 3. Parking is available near the chateau. Bus transport provides connections to Benešov and Votice, with the nearest stop located directly in the village. The chateau park is accessible year-round, while the chateau interior is open according to seasonal opening hours.

What to Explore

The Kraj blanických rytířů region attracts tourists to explore. Visitors can set out for Velký Blaník, a memorable mountain with a lookout tower, which is shrouded in the legend of the Blaník knights. Not far away is the town of Votice with the Gothic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. For families with children, an interesting stop is the Modelářský domek and the traffic playground in nearby Štětkovice.

Romantic Hláska above the Sázava river in the Central Bohemian Region

The Zlenice castle ruins, also popularly known as Hláska, are situated on a rocky promontory above the Sázava river, at the point where the Mnichovický potok flows into it. The castle was likely founded at the beginning of the 14th century and is first mentioned in 1318. Among its most prominent owners was Ondřej IV. z Dubé a ze Zlenic, the Supreme Judge of the Kingdom of Bohemia during the reign of Karel IV. The castle was captured and destroyed, likely during the wars of Jiří z Poděbrad in the 15th century, and has remained abandoned ever since. The most significant preserved part is the remainder of the residential tower, which gave the ruins its nickname, Hláska.

Access

The ruins lie in the picturesque Posázaví region within the cadastral territory of the village of Senohraby. The best access is via the red tourist trail, approximately four kilometres from the Hvězdonice or Čtyřkoly railway stops (both on line 212). An undemanding walk leads to the ruins along a maintained path following the Sázava river. By car, it is possible to park in the village of Senohraby, from where a short walk leads to the ruins.

What is worth seeing

The Posázaví region is known for its beautiful nature and is ideal for hiking and canoeing on the Sázava river. In the nearby village of Hrusice, there is the Památník Josefa Lady, dedicated to the famous Czech painter who became renowned for his illustrations of this region, including Kocour Mikeš and Bubáci. Furthermore, visitors may explore Zámek Štiřín near the village of Kamenice, which serves as a conference centre and features extensive gardens.

Originally a Gothic fortress, later an extensive Renaissance château in the Středočeský kraj region, which has been converted into a luxurious family residence.

Zámek Smilkov, situated in the Středočeský kraj region near Benešov, has its historical roots in a 15th-century Gothic fortress. The fortress was rebuilt into a Renaissance château in the 16th century by the Smilkovští ze Smilkova family. The château is known for its elegant Renaissance details and an extensive historical park. Following an extensive renovation in the 21st century, the château serves as a luxurious family residence and is occasionally opened to the public for cultural events. It is surrounded by a meticulously maintained park, which completes its exclusive character.

Access

Zámek Smilkov is located in the village of Smilkov, at the address Smilkov 1. By car, access is available from the D1 motorway (exit 66) or from the II/125 road. Parking is possible at a free car park near the village. Bus transport has its nearest stop at Smilkov, obec, which is within walking distance. The nearest railway station, Vlašim (line 222), is about 10 km away, from where it is necessary to use a bus connection. Interior tours are limited.

What is worth knowing

In the vicinity of Smilkov, visitors may visit the historical town of Benešov with Zámek Konopiště, the well-known residence of Franz Ferdinand d'Este. Visitors may also visit Hrad Český Šternberk, a majestic Gothic castle above the Sázava river. Also of interest is Rozhledna Blaník, which offers a view of the Středočeská pahorkatina and the surrounding area.