Smědčice brings together a chapel in the middle of the village green and archaeological traces of a village and fortified site dating from the Middle Ages to modern times. It also has a significant burial mound cemetery and trails in the surrounding area, including the Kokotské rybníky nature trail and access along the Klabava. Local history and activities in the surrounding area therefore each offer distinct options to plan around.
Chapel and Local History
The Chapel of St. Wenceslas stands in a prominent position in the middle of the village green. This small sacred building displays Romantic eclecticism, with Gothic, Baroque and Empire elements. Together, these styles shape the building’s appearance. The chapel is a protected immovable cultural monument, making it a specific point of interest for anyone interested in architectural and local history.
The archaeological site in the village centre includes a village and fortified site dating from the Middle Ages to modern times. Smědčice is first mentioned in 1243, when Abraham de Zmedcich is named. The fortress was probably not established until the beginning of the 16th century. It is mentioned in 1544 and 1550, and possibly in 1553; by 1581, it was already uninhabited and in ruins. The early mention of the village and the later records of the fortress thus refer to different historical periods.
The extensive, well-preserved burial mound cemetery is one of the largest and most significant in the region. It forms a distinct archaeological highlight alongside the chapel and the fortified site. While the fortress’s history can be linked to specific years, the cemetery is defined above all by its size and state of preservation.
Cycling and Walking Trails Nearby
The Chrást–Strašice cycle route 2153 is 35 kilometres long, with 250 metres of elevation gain. The route length and elevation gain describe different aspects of the ride and help you gauge the scale of a cycling trip when planning. A chapel in Smědčice is listed as a point of interest along the route.
The Kokotské rybníky nature trail runs between Smědčice and Litohlavy. The circular route is nine kilometres long, has eleven information panels and is accessible on foot and by bicycle. Travel to the ponds is also described as an option: take the train to Smědčice, then walk 1.5 kilometres. Check the train timetable and allow for the walk from the station when planning your journey.
The Railway Bridge over the Klabava
The railway bridge over the Klabava near Smědčice is part of the Radnice–Chrást line. Its riveted steel structure consists of three separate inverted arches, creating an engineering highlight alongside the sacred building and archaeological sites. On the left bank, a wide path leads to a point about 20 metres from the bridge; a viewing peninsula can be reached along the way. Check local trail conditions before your visit.
When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up the different highlights: the chapel, fortified site and burial mound cemetery represent Smědčice’s local history, while the nature trail, cycle route and path along the Klabava add different ways to explore the surrounding area. If you’re looking for hotels in Smědčice, check how each option is located in relation to the places and routes you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Těškov, Busovice, Štítov, Cekov, Tycek, Medový Újezd, Volduchy, Nevid
For the regional travel overview: Okres Rokycany.
