Úněšov’s defining landmark is the single-nave Church of St. Procopius. Its history brings together an originally Gothic building and an 18th-century Baroque appearance; the church grounds add an archaeological dimension as well. Together with the sculptures and the surrounding landscape, these features make it an ideal focus for a trip that takes in both culture and the surrounding area.
The Church of St. Procopius
The rectangular nave forms the main space of the church. A narrower chancel adjoins it, ending in five sides and flanked by buttresses. The tower stands on the north side. This layout makes the building’s form easy to identify: the nave and chancel differ in width and shape, while the tower stands to the side of the north façade. The originally Gothic church acquired its present Baroque appearance in 1738–1739.
The grounds of St. Procopius Church are also part of the town’s history: they are an archaeological area with finds confirmed or reasonably believed to date from the Middle Ages through to the modern era. This archaeological timeframe therefore extends beyond the church building’s Baroque construction phase. For your itinerary, the site combines a landmark building with a broader historical perspective.
Baroque Sculptures and Sacred Architecture
A sandstone statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary stands on a pedestal in the village square. The Baroque sculpture dates from the 18th century and was probably created by a local master. Another Baroque figure is a life-size statue of St. John of Nepomuk dating from 1704. It stands on a low, prismatic pedestal decorated with stylized sunflower blossoms. The two sculptures each have their own distinctive details: Mary’s statue is notable for its sandstone and 18th-century date, while St. John of Nepomuk’s is notable for its life-size scale, precise date and elaborately decorated pedestal.
The fragmentarily preserved Boží muka (wayside shrine) is a high-quality example of rural stonework from the early 17th century. Behind Úněšov, on the road to Číhaná, there is also a late Baroque chapel. The sculptures, chapel and church represent different forms of sacred art and architectural history, spanning more than a single period.
Ensemble, Farmyard and Castle Ruins
The Baroque rectory forms an urban ensemble with the church and the former school. The Pichl farmyard consists of several buildings and has a U-shaped layout that opens to the east. This open side is an essential part of its form: rather than a closed block, the layout is defined by a complex of several buildings open on the eastern side.
Úněšov is also home to an extensive castle ruin site. Remains of an earthwork fortification are well preserved, while clear traces of buildings are lacking. The distinction between the surviving fortification traces in the terrain and the barely discernible buildings is therefore key to understanding the ruins. The site adds a different kind of historical trace to the town’s buildings.
Landscape and Cycling Routes
Úněšov’s natural landscape lies on the edge of Manětínská Nature Park. This connection broadens the view beyond the historic buildings to the landscape that defines the town.
The completed Číhaná–Úněšov–Podmokly cycle path provides a safe connection between Číhaná and Úněšov and safe access to the football pitch. Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024. Another named cycling route is the 48-kilometre Šipín Cycle Route, which passes through the historic area around Konstantinovy Lázně and Gutštejn Castle. Its stated length and destinations provide cyclists with a distinct route option.
Discover more destinations: Horní Bělá, Kaceřov, Líšťany, Lochousice, Kaznějov, Vejprnice, Líté, Kozolupy.
For the broader travel guide: Plzeň-Sever District.
