Blížejov offers several distinct points of interest for a culture-focused stay: a church with architectural features from different periods, the development from a medieval fortress into a Baroque castle, and a prehistoric settlement site. There is also a chapel in Chotiměř and two cycle routes that pass through Blížejov. Visitors can consider architectural history, archaeological chronology and cycle routes as different aspects of their trip.

A church spanning the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

The Church of St Martin has a Renaissance portal with heraldic decoration and a side tower. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms; the heraldic design is therefore a pictorial detail of the portal. In the presbytery, the chancel, there is a band of wall paintings dating from the late 14th century. This date refers to the paintings, while the portal is described as a Renaissance feature. Those interested in architectural history can consider the two periods separately: the medieval paintings in the presbytery and the Renaissance form of the portal. The side tower is also a distinctive feature of the church and adds details of its exterior form to its historical features.

From fortress to castle

The fortress in Blížejov dates from the 14th century and was converted into a Baroque castle. The castle received a façade in the second half of the 19th century. The dates can be read as a sequence: the fortress’s medieval origins, its conversion into a Baroque castle, and the façade from the second half of the 19th century. The castle complex and farmyard lie in the southern part of the municipality, on both sides of the road to Šlovice. The building history and this location provide different kinds of orientation: one describes the development of the complex, while the other indicates its position within the municipality.

Archaeology and Chotiměř

The prehistoric settlement site discovered in Blížejov opens up a much earlier period. Pottery finds are the basis for dating it to the Late Bronze Age, more precisely to the 10th to 9th century BC. This archaeological evidence therefore dates to long before the medieval traces at the church and fortress. The historical picture of the area thus spans a broad period, from prehistoric settlement to later building histories. The settlement site complements architectural history with a different kind of evidence.

The municipality also includes Chotiměř. There, the Chapel of St John of Nepomuk stands in a former castle park; it is a cultural monument. Its hexagonal shape and single above-ground storey are two specific features of its architectural form. It is another place of worship within the municipality, alongside the Church of St Martin. When considering the cultural monuments, their different locations and the architectural features described for each can be viewed separately.

Cycle routes through Blížejov

There are also two named route options for cyclists. Cycle Route Přátelství No. 2141 passes through Blížejov. The Furth im Wald–Plzeň section of International Long-Distance Cycle Route No. 3 also passes through the municipality. The routes are described differently: for No. 2141, the route name is highlighted; for No. 3, the section between Furth im Wald and Plzeň is specified. If you are planning to visit Blížejov by bicycle, check current route conditions before setting out and see how the two route details fit your planned journey.

Discover more destinations

Nevolice: Nevolice, Krchleby, Capartice, Bezděkovské Předměstí, Brnirov, Neuměř, Štichov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Domažlice.