Ždánov can be explored through three themes: the history of the castle, religious places of remembrance, and the landscape around Pařezovský kopec. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in the village, this structure can help you decide what you want your stay to focus on. The castle and chapel tell different parts of the village’s history; at the hill, the focus is on views and landscape. The places and dates below give you a concrete basis for matching Ždánov to your own travel interests.
Ždánov Castle and its history
Ždánov Castle was built in 1730 by the Augustinians of Pivoň as a summer residence for guests of the Augustinian monastery in Pivoň. Its original purpose was therefore closely connected with the monastery’s guests. The castle has been designated a cultural monument since 1958. The complex also includes a farmyard on the southwestern edge of the village. Here, the term “castle” refers not only to the main building, but to a complex with additional structures.
Opposite the castle stands a life-size sandstone statue of Saint Augustine. The main portal also reflects the castle’s connection with the Augustinians of Pivoň: during restoration, the earlier colour scheme of their coat of arms was reinstated. The statue and coat of arms represent different forms of remembrance of Saint Augustine and the order that had the castle built.
Chapel and religious places of remembrance
The Chapel of Blessed Coloman and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was completed on 23 September 2018 and consecrated by Bishop Mons. Tomáš Holub. A pilgrimage Mass is celebrated there in October. If you would like to plan your stay around the Mass, check the current date in advance.
Another religious place of remembrance is the six-metre-high wrought-iron cross near Wendlovna, which was restored in spring 2012. The chapel and the cross therefore have different time references: the chapel’s completion and consecration are dated, while the cross’s restoration is dated. Together, these details offer insight into different chapters of the village’s religious history.
Pařezovský kopec and the landscape
Pařezovský kopec lies between Ždánov and Pařezov and is registered as a significant landscape feature. From there, views open up across the Český les, including Čerchov and the Haltravský hřeben. The hill thus combines its importance to the landscape with a specific focus on views: the named sights include both an individual peak and a ridge.
Endangered orchid species may still grow on Pařezovský kopec. This gives you two different nature-related points to consider: views of the Český les and the possibility that endangered orchid species grow there. The latter is a possibility, not a guaranteed sighting. If you are considering Ždánov primarily for its landscape, these two aspects are a useful complement to the historic places in the village.
Other points of interest in the village
The restored Červený Mlýn is also located within the cadastral area of Ždánov, extending the village’s historical connections beyond the castle and religious memorials. In relation to the village pond, the historic centre forms an urbanistically significant compositional space. This relationship complements the individual buildings and places of remembrance with a perspective on the layout of the village as a whole.
When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider Ždánov according to the focus that interests you most: castle history and monument conservation, religious sites, or landscape and views. The facts about these places offer specific points of reference, though these themes are not interchangeable. For a trip planned around the pilgrimage Mass, the current October date is what matters most; at Pařezovský kopec, views and the possible presence of orchids remain distinct nature-related attractions.
Discover more destinations: Osvračín, Pec, Meclov, Puclice, Hostouň, Chrastavice, Semněvice, Kout Na Šumavě
For the regional travel overview: Domažlice District.
