Ratměřice can be explored through three distinct themes: the stylistic history of the castle, the trees in the extensive castle park and St. Havel Church. There are also trails with specific places to rest or views of the town. This combination helps you decide whether cultural history, nature or a walk should be the focus of your stay.
Castle and Park: Building Phases and Trees
Ratměřice Castle was built in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. Otto Chotek later transformed it into the Neo-Renaissance form that has been preserved to this day. Visitors can admire its striking Neoclassical façade and stroll through the extensive castle park. This offers two distinct ways to spend your time: appreciating the architecture and taking a walk outdoors. The stylistic terms refer to different aspects: Baroque describes the original construction, Neo-Renaissance the preserved transformation, and Neoclassicism the visible façade. The castle can therefore be understood as a place with several building phases rather than being assigned just one style.
Two giant sequoias planted by Count Chotek grow in the castle park. They are over 45 m tall, estimated to be 150 years old, and considered the largest in the Czech Republic. Their age is an estimate; their height and size ranking are what make these two trees stand out. The park is also home to 29 conifer species and 60 species of deciduous trees or shrubs. On a walk, you can admire both the two striking individual trees and the wide variety of woody plants.
St. Havel: Paintings and the Roof’s History
St. Havel Church draws attention to other historical details. During restoration investigations in 2008, Gothic paintings were uncovered in the chancel. A dendrochronological study dated the origin of the roof structure to 1406. Two distinct details of the town’s history are therefore on view: Gothic paintings in the chancel and the origin of the roof structure, dated to 1406.
Trails and Other Features of the Town
The Běhej bojiště Jankov–Zvěstovská route passes through Ratměřice to Dům sedláka Oneše by Jordánek Pond; there are benches for resting both at the pond and by the house. A route in the area around Ratměřice leads from the Battle of Jankov Monument along a gently uphill field path, offering views of Ratměřice and its castle. The routes therefore offer different things to look for along the way: benches at two named locations, or a gentle climb with a view. Check the current trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.
The sports complex in Ratměřice includes a football pitch and a nature-inspired children’s playground. The town also has a local tradition: the water from the spring in Ratměřice was traditionally believed to have healing properties.
Discover more destinations: Kladruby U Vlašimi, Bucina, Neveklov, Krcmy, Slapy-Nedvezi, Krňany, Řehenice, Soběhrdy.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.
