Nespeky lies on the Sázava and offers several distinct themes for visitors: religious buildings with documented histories, a historic mill, and activities on the river. The notable sites are spread across Nespeky, Ledce and Městečko. There is also a canoe route and a cycling route, whose course and road surfaces, respectively, provide specific points to consider when planning.
The Sázava: Canoeing and Cycling
The 30 km canoe route from Čerčany to Pikovice passes the weir at Nespeky. Paddlers must get out of their boats there; the weir is 1.5 km downstream from Městečko. Portaging is therefore part of planning this section. River conditions affect navigability and can change seasonally; requirements at the weir may also depend on conditions and changes to the infrastructure.
Another way to get your bearings is the cycling route from Zbořený Kostelec to Nespeky: about 90% runs along paved or asphalted paths, while around 10% crosses easy, stony terrain. These figures show the difference between the surfaces; trail conditions may change over time. Those considering canoeing and cycling as separate activities can directly compare the planning considerations mentioned: getting out at the weir on the canoe route and the predominantly paved surface of the cycling route.
Churches and Historical Details
The Church of St. Bartholomew stands beside a secluded farmstead in Ledce, by the river and within the cadastral area of Nespeky. It dates from the second half of the 13th century and was remodeled in the Baroque style in 1736. Together with the farmstead, it forms a uniquely preserved example of a small settlement with a medieval church. A medieval origin and a later Baroque transformation come together here in a remarkable ensemble.
In Nespeky itself, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary dates from around the mid-19th century. Above the door is a round medallion made of colored ceramic, depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child; inside is a painting by V. Tőrstra. The exterior and interior details are clearly distinct: the medallion marks the area above the entrance, while the painting is part of the chapel’s furnishings.
The bell tower in Městečko also has a documented chronology. Its stone section was built in 1850; a cross on a masonry plinth was added in 1858. The Petrovic Cross was erected on June 6, 1883. It stands 150 m uphill in the forest, on the right-hand side of a path branching off before the bus stop. The dates place these three construction and commemorative details in the mid-to-late 19th century.
The Mill and Architecture
The Nespeky Mill is documented from 1595 as Havlovský mlýn, with two waterwheels and a fulling mill. The mill building and the power station annex, in the historicist style of the second half of the 19th century, have been preserved. The hydroelectric power station was restored in 1997 with its original turbines. These details trace different chapters in the mill’s history: its earliest documented operation, the surviving structure and the later restoration of its technology. The summer house of Milča Majerová adds a Mediterranean influence to the architectural picture.
Getting Around, Travel and Dining
A stone bridge over a ravine above the road to Prague can be seen from Potočiny Street or reached via a turnoff from the main road to Prague. Nespeky can be reached by bus route 337 on the Benešov–Prague, Budějovická route. Bus routes and timetables can change; check current services before travelling.
Bistro Ledce offers a dining experience in meadows by the Sázava. The menu features high-quality coffee, homemade lemonades, beer, natural wines, international cuisine, homemade cakes and other desserts. The menu and seasonal opening schedule may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Snět, Votice, Vracovice, Ceský Sternberk, Smilkov, Studený, Zahorí U Milicína, Kamberk.
See the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.
