You can discover Planá U Mariánských Lázní through its church architecture and the history of silver mining and coin minting associated with the town. The surrounding area also offers protected landscapes and places to explore on foot. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you want to focus mainly on the historical heritage or include nature as well.
Silver Mining and Traces of the Town’s History
The Štola Ondřej Šlik was opened at the end of the 16th century, when silver mining was flourishing in Planá and the surrounding area. Its underground workings are just under 200 metres long. The Šlik heritage links silver mining with coin minting: after the mint in Jáchymov was closed, it was moved to Planá. Together, these historical connections show how closely mining and coinage are linked to the town’s history.
A section of the town fortifications is another tangible historical trace. It is located on Na Příkopech Street, behind house No. 131. This detail adds a precisely identified feature of the townscape to the broader historical themes.
Church Architecture Spanning Different Periods
The Church of St Peter and Paul is Planá’s oldest historic monument. Its notable features include 13th-century frescoes and a rare Romanesque portal with an arcaded frieze. Following extensive renovation, the church now serves as a wedding and concert hall; during the summer months, it is used as a gallery for modern art. If you are considering attending a concert or visiting the gallery, check the latest event information, as the programme may change.
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was originally built in the second quarter of the 13th century as a Late Romanesque church. It continued to be modified until the 20th century; its present-day appearance is largely the result of two Baroque renovations in the 18th century. Together with the adjacent rectory, it has been a protected monument since 1958. The building thus reveals several historical periods, without reducing its long development to a single construction phase.
The Galerie ve věži was founded in the church tower in 1995, after the tower had previously stood unused. A bell more than 500 years old also hangs there. The gallery is open seasonally, so check the latest information before planning a visit.
Outdoor Pool and Practical Details
Koupaliště Planá outdoor pool is set on a 3.5-hectare site and has a water surface of 10,790 square metres. Facilities include a children’s paddling pool with attractions, as well as sanitary facilities accessible to wheelchair users. Free parking is available near the pool. Since information about facilities and parking may change, it is worth checking the latest details before your visit.
Places to Explore and Landscapes in the Surrounding Area
The Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area, with its peat bogs, mineral springs, mountain meadows and forests, is near Planá. Other places to explore on foot in the area include the Kosí potok catchment area and Vlčí hora, with its nature reserve and the ruins of Volfštejn Castle. Check local access and trail conditions if you plan to visit these places.
The “Expedice do historie země Horní Falc a Západní Čechy” educational trail extends through the area around Planá and Chodová Planá, as well as Massenricht in Upper Palatinate, near Hirschau. Its geographical reach sets it apart from the individual walking areas in the vicinity. Together, the topics described offer different focuses: architectural and mining history on the one hand, and landscapes and walks on the other.
Discover more destinations: Prostiboř, Kšice, Třemešné, Horní Kozolupy, Zadní Chodov, Cebiv, Tisová, Rozvadov.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Tachov.
