Zbenice lies on the southern edge of the Central Bohemian Region in the Příbram District. The village is situated on a gentle slope that descends from east to west, at an elevation of about 550 m. Historical landmarks include the castle, a niche chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity and several local monuments. The summit of Pteč adds a different kind of connection to the landscape of the cadastral area.
Zbenice Castle: from its predecessor to the Baroque period
Zbenice Castle was created by converting an older medieval fortress. In 1626, Vilém Šléglovský ze Šicendorfu commissioned its transformation into a Renaissance castle; the castle was later modified in the Baroque style. Its history thus spans the medieval fortress, the Renaissance and the Baroque period. Visitors interested in architectural history can distinguish the building’s different phases rather than assigning the castle to just one period.
The castle serves as a restoration workshop and is occasionally used for cultural events. If you would like to include an event in your trip, check its date in advance.
The niche chapel of the Holy Trinity and local monuments
The ground plan of the niche chapel of the Holy Trinity is a precise architectural feature: it is an equilateral triangle with sides measuring 3 m. Unlike the castle, whose history is marked by several phases of alteration, the chapel is distinguished by its clearly defined geometry. It lies about 1.1 km west of Zbenice, at the edge of Mackova hora hill, near a slope that drops steeply to the west.
Other local historical monuments include a monument to Saint John of Nepomuk, a monument to the victims of the world wars and a stone cross on the southern edge of the village. They commemorate different things: the monuments are dedicated to a saint and to the victims of the world wars, while the stone cross is identified by its location at the southern edge of the village. These different forms of remembrance complement the architectural history of the castle and chapel.
Pteč and cycling around Zbenice
At 633 m, Pteč is the highest summit in the cadastral area of Zbenice. It can be reached by bicycle, bus and car. Your choice of transport is therefore an important part of planning; if travelling by bus, it is advisable to check current services, as transport arrangements may change. The Orlická přehrada–zámek Orlík cycling route also passes through the cadastral area. Before setting out, check the current signage and route. The summit and the cycling route offer two different points of interest: Pteč is a named destination, while the route passes through the cadastral area. Pteč can also be reached without a bicycle.
Discover more destinations: Procevily, Vysoký Chlumec, Rozmital Pod Tremsinem, Týnčany, Modřovice, Županovice, Vrančice, Mokrovraty.
For the broader travel overview: Příbram District.
