Chotěšov brings together monastic history, trails and nearby places to visit. The former convent is a national cultural monument; hiking trails lead to Křížový vrch, and a walk along the Radbuza offers two routes with different scenery. Historic buildings, local festivals and Pinky recreation area round out the offerings. When planning your visit, you can choose between cultural and historical attractions and spending extra time on the trails and enjoying the views.
Chotěšov Monastery and Historic Buildings
Chotěšov Monastery was founded in the early 13th century by Blessed Hroznata. The former convent has a Late Baroque appearance and is a national cultural monument. The monastery is open to the public, with tours, exhibitions and other cultural events held there. Check the seasonal schedule before you travel.
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is also one of Chotěšov’s important historic buildings. A column bearing a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk was erected in 1700 by Abbot and Provost Ondřej Fabritius. The Pilsen Region Firefighting Museum opened at the monastery in 2013. One of its most notable exhibits is a restored, working PS-6 Flader motor pump. If you plan to visit the museum, check its current opening hours.
Festivals as a Reason to Visit
Staročeské máje is a recurring local tradition. In Chotěšov, it has been held approximately every two years since 1967. The next edition is scheduled for 2027. On the second day of the festival, celebrations continue in the monastery garden with the dances Chodské kolečko and Špacírka, followed by Česká beseda. If you want to experience this tradition, take the specific festival dates into account when planning your trip. Independently of this event, Běh Chotěšovem, a cross-country race for all age groups, takes place every year.
Trails and Scenery Nearby
Several hiking trails near Chotěšov lead up to Křížový vrch, where there is a church and a 22-metre-high observation tower. From the tower, you can see the peaks of the Bohemian Forest, nearby Chotěšov with its monastery, and the town of Stod. The two-kilometre circular Stezka kolem Křížového vrchu trail features educational and play elements about forest fauna and flora. Several stops with information boards lead to a former pilgrimage site with a church and observation tower.
Another walk leads to the weir on the Radbuza. It starts at Náměstí 1. máje and follows Klášterní Street. You can choose an upper path with views of the river valley or a route along the millrace. Local conditions may affect access. Křížový vrch combines views with a circular trail exploring forest themes; at the weir, the choice is between the valley view and the millrace.
Nearby, Pinky includes the Velký rybník, Malý rybník and Šindlerák ponds. The area is used mainly for sport fishing and recreation; fishing regulations and access conditions may change. Its present-day landscape formed as a result of coal mining at the Austria hard-coal mine and the subsequent subsidence of rock and soil.
Discover more destinations: Životice, Chocenice, Střelice U Stoda, Nepomuk, Klášter, Otěšice, Lužany U Přeštic, Týniště.
For the overview of the wider area: Plzeň-Jih.
