Rataje nad Sázavou brings together the history of its castle and museum with historic buildings and routes of varying lengths. When planning your visit, you can focus on one of two things: spending more time on culture and local history, or exploring the routes between Rataje and Sázava. The historical exhibitions and route details can help you weigh these interests against each other.
Castle History and Museum
Rataje nad Sázavou Castle is a Renaissance castle, converted from a High Gothic castle in the 16th century. Its architectural history thus combines its High Gothic origins with its later Renaissance character. The Rataje Museum is located in the castle. Its permanent exhibition explores the town’s historical and architectural development, including the development of its settlement and an archaeological section.
The museum also includes an exhibition about Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This brings together two distinct perspectives: the development of Rataje and an exhibition about the game. Visitors interested in the town’s cultural character can consider these topics alongside the castle’s architectural history, without treating them as a single exhibition focus.
Another historic landmark is the filial Church of St Matthew in Rataje nad Sázavou. It was rebuilt and consecrated on 21 September 1691. Together with the castle, it offers a different historical reference point: the specific date of the consecration is recorded, while the castle’s history is shaped by its High Gothic origins and its conversion in the 16th century.
Pirkštejn: History and Occasional Access
Pirkštejn Castle was founded in the 14th century by Jindřich z Lipé on a rocky promontory above the Sázava. Its location is therefore closely tied to its founding history. Tourist routes pass by the castle, but there is an important restriction to bear in mind when planning a visit: Pirkštejn is only occasionally open to the public.
Pirkštejn is also significant for music and poetry. Various musical performances and poetry celebrations are held there. The Tomáš Jamník Academy of Chamber Music regularly hosts classical concerts at the castle. These events add a cultural dimension to the castle’s history, extending beyond its medieval origins.
Routes between Rataje and Sázava
The Cyril and Methodius Pilgrimage Route Blaník–Říp leads from Rataje Castle down to the Sázava. Another route, “In the Footsteps of Henry from Kingdom Come: Deliverance”, starts in Rataje nad Sázavou and ends in Sázava. It is 14 kilometres long and takes approximately 4.5 hours. The actual duration may vary depending on walking conditions and stops along the way, so treat the time as a guide when planning.
Cycling Route 3/C offers a different scale: it is about 30 kilometres long and runs from Sázava via Talmberk and Rataje nad Sázavou, as well as other places, before returning to Sázava. Compared with the 14-kilometre route, both its length and course are different: the cycling route returns to Sázava, while the route in Henry’s footsteps connects Rataje and Sázava as its starting and ending points. Route conditions may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
You can travel to Rataje nad Sázavou by bus or train. Check the IDOS timetable system for current departures. This allows you to plan your arrival by public transport separately, while your choice of route once there can depend on whether you are interested in the pilgrimage route, the longer route or the cycling route.
Drinks at the Castle
The Chateau Schenk is located on the ground floor of the castle’s north wing. It serves hot and cold drinks and has comfortable seating in a non-smoking area. This is a specific place to stop for a break at the castle; the seating area described is expressly non-smoking. Along with the museum, this offering complements the cultural focus by providing an option to include drinks and a seated break in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Třebešice, Chlístovice, Hraběšín, Chotusice, Třebětín, Suchdol, Církvice, Kutná Hora.
Go to the main travel overview: Kutná Hora District.
