Senomaty lies west of the town of Rakovník in the floodplain of the Rakovnický potok. The stream rises in the forests of Jesenicko. Whether you are interested in local history or looking for a cycle route through the surrounding area, you will find two different approaches to planning your trip here.
History and Monuments in Senomaty
The earliest written mention of Senomaty dates from 1233. The town had acquired some municipal rights by 1319 at the latest. These dates establish an early timeline for the town’s history; further evidence ranges from medieval records to buildings and statues from later centuries.
The Gothic Church of St Lawrence was probably founded by the Teutonic Order. Specific records of the church date from the first half of the 14th century. It acquired its present appearance through renovation around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The wooden bell tower also points to a long history: it is at least three hundred years old and was already standing before 1620.
A group of memorial graves is located in the Senomaty cemetery. František Chládek, a 19th-century Czech poet from Hředle, is also buried there. The cemetery’s features thus connect a local place of remembrance with the story of a person from the region.
Two statues are associated with dates inscribed on their pedestals. Near the bridge over the Rakovnický potok stands a statue of Saint Jude Thaddeus on a pedestal dated 1722. On the right-hand side of the road to Rakovník stands a finely carved statue of Saint Procopius; its pedestal bears the date 1743. Another architectural monument is the timber-framed house at 66 V Chaloupkách Street. It dates from the mid-19th century and is protected as a cultural monument.
The dates offer different perspectives: the early mentions and rights concern the town’s history, while the church, bell tower, statues, and house are tangible architectural and commemorative evidence from different centuries. This makes it possible to organize a visit around historical themes without treating the individual monuments as part of a single account of origins.
Cycle Route and Hiking Event
Marked Cycle Route No. 351 passes through Senomaty. It runs from Rakovník via Jesenice and Rabštejn nad Střelou to Pšov. The section from Rakovník to Senomaty has the character of an educational cycle trail and features nature information panels. Check current route conditions and the state of the panels before setting off.
In Oráčov, eight kilometres from Senomaty, Cycle Route 351 also enters the Jesenicko Nature Park. The landscape is shaped by well-preserved nature, ponds, and numerous historical monuments. This regional perspective complements the local history and nature interpretation along the section between Rakovník and Senomaty, without treating the two sections as identical.
Another time to visit is during the “Putování za duhou” hiking event. It has been a tradition in Senomaty since 2007 and takes place in early May. If the hike is important to your travel plans, check the specific event date in advance. This lets you plan an event visit separately from a trip focused mainly on the cycle route or monuments.
Plan Your Journey
Senomaty is served by municipal and regional bus routes as well as the Rakovník–Bečov nad Teplou railway line. Check current timetables for specific departures. This will help you coordinate your journey with your planned focus, such as an early-May event or a ride on the cycle route.
Discover more destinations: Kolešovice, Krakov, Václavy, Šanov, Slabce, Oráčov, Milostín, Nezabudice.
For the broader travel overview: Rakovník District.
