Staré Sedliště combines Baroque architectural history with a landscape shaped by numerous ponds. The town’s history also includes the profound loss of historic buildings during the socialist era. Surviving structures, traces of historic production, and wetlands each add their own distinctive features.

Baroque architectural history and historical upheavals

The late Baroque Staré Sedliště Castle was built in 1792 by glassmaker František Koler. The medieval fortress on the castle grounds points to an earlier historical period; it was burned down during the Thirty Years’ War. The grounds are an archaeological site where finds have been documented or are reasonably presumed to exist. The castle and fortress thus represent different historical periods at the same location.

The Church of St. Procopius and St. Ulrich has a Gothic core and was substantially remodeled in the Baroque period. Its Baroque sacred architecture is considered valuable and of high quality; no major changes were made later. A historic perimeter wall surrounds the church and cemetery grounds. It was built in stages over different periods. The remains of a vaulted Baroque bridge have also been preserved. Staré Sedliště is also home to a valuable statue of St. John of Nepomuk dating from the early 18th century.

The restored rectory is an 18th-century Baroque building and a cultural monument. It can be used for family celebrations and smaller social events. At the same time, the townscape bears the marks of loss: during the socialist era, Staré Sedliště lost most of its historic buildings; extensive demolitions caused lasting damage to its historic appearance.

Historic production and trade

The history of local production extends beyond buildings. Juniper syrup was historically made in Staré Sedliště and sold throughout Bohemia, as well as in Saxony and Bavaria. The origins of the manorial brewery can be dated to around 1548. The town’s history thus encompasses production and trade as well as architecture.

Ponds, wetlands, and birdlife

The Tisovské rybníky Nature Reserve protects a system of ponds and adjacent wetland ecosystems. It is one of the most important ornithological areas in the Plzeň Region and provides a breeding habitat for cranes. The Mělký rybník Nature Reserve lies about 1 kilometer east of Staré Sedliště railway station and covers 27.9 hectares. Its features include reed beds and an important bird-breeding site. The Český les Nature Park is also listed as a protected area for Staré Sedliště.

Hiking or cycling

The marked hiking route is 21 kilometers long, is described as moderate, and is not a loop. It starts at the Staré Sedliště railway stop and follows the green hiking trail toward Nové Sedliště. Check the local signs before setting out.

Cycling route 2167 connects Staré Sedliště and Planá over 21 kilometers. Check the signs and surface conditions for this route as well. Both routes are the same length, but differ in format: the hiking route is moderate and is not designed as a loop; the cycling route connects two towns. When choosing between them, therefore, consider not only the distance but also the type of outing you prefer.

Discover more destinations: Erpužice, Obora, Vranov U Stříbra, Stráž, Lesná, Tisová, Rozvadov, Hošťka

For the broader travel overview: Okres Tachov.