Three ponds, a chapel in the village centre and the Prostřední mlýn mill give Kotenčice clear points of reference for a stay. The village lies below Velký Chlum (481 m), and its three ponds define its appearance. If you choose a place for its landscape and local history, two distinct perspectives come together here: bodies of water and elevation, as well as the chapel and mill history.
Ponds and Elevation
The three ponds define Kotenčice as a whole. Kotenčice is also home to Náveský rybník, a pond or small water reservoir. The three ponds are part of the village’s appearance; Náveský rybník is a specifically named body of water. The village’s location below Velký Chlum adds elevation to its water features. Together, bodies of water and elevation provide a way to understand the village’s landscape.
Chapel and Mill
The Kotenčice chapel stands in the village square at the centre of the village. The present-day chapel was consecrated on 19 October 1941, after the older chapel had been demolished for safety reasons. The date refers to the consecration of the current building; the older chapel is part of its history. The furnishings include a three-part image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, flanked by depictions of Saint Wenceslas and Saint Ludmila. Thus, alongside its location in the village centre, the chapel’s religious furnishings are another specific feature.
The Prostřední mlýn mill tells a different story. It lies below Náveský rybník in Kotenčice, 200 m south of the chapel. Milling is thought to have ended as early as the 18th century. While the chapel is associated with a precise consecration date, the end of milling is cautiously dated to the 18th century. The chapel and mill therefore point to different historical themes: religious furnishings and the former use of the mill.
A Changing Local History
The first written mention of Kotenčice dates from 1382; at that time, the Buková estate managed the fields. The village’s early history is therefore also linked to farming the fields. A later change came in the 1950s, when the village’s original agricultural character changed. Today, a smaller proportion of residents work in agriculture. The village’s former character and present-day employment can thus be seen as two distinct chapters in its history.
Events and Getting There
Local events include the burning of witches and Children’s Day. The pilgrimage features an entertainment programme, while the village feast includes social gatherings. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these occasions, check the specific event dates in advance. A virtual tour of Kotenčice is also available. Check that the service is accessible before using it.
Kotenčice can be reached via a third-class road and has bus services. When looking for a holiday rental, getting there can be an early step in your planning: consider which mode of transport suits your trip and plan your specific journey accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Drásov, Pečice, Hořejany, Prosenicka Lhota, Bratrikovice, Hrimezdice, Kozárovice, Obořiště
View the broader travel guide: Okres Příbram.
