Žákava combines a valley between the Úslava River and the Bradava stream with a local history encompassing several themes: the original seat of the knights Žákavci ze Žákavé, a fortified castle, an estate later used as a granary, and St. Lawrence Church. The Žákava-Sváreč burial mound field is another feature. If you are looking for a destination with landscape, historical and archaeological points of interest, Žákava offers several ways to explore a place.

Valley between the Úslava and Bradava

Žákava lies in a valley between the Úslava and the Bradava stream. Its location is defined by two different types of watercourse and gives the landscape a clear geographical setting. If you would like to consider the landscape as well as historical themes when choosing where to travel, this valley is a distinctive starting point for understanding Žákava.

Knights, a fortified castle and former uses

Žákava was the original seat of the knights Žákavci ze Žákavé. Their fortified castle stood on a rocky rise at the site of today's house numbers 1 and 49. These two details shed light on different aspects: the seat describes Žákava's historical role for the knights, while the location pinpoints the fortress. This makes it possible to connect the history of the knights with a specific place.

Another historical trace is an estate on a slope above the Úslava. The former estate was later converted into a granary; the historic granary still stands in Žákava today. Unlike the history of the Žákavci, the emphasis here is on the change of use: the estate became a granary. This adds the development of the former estate to the local history of knights and the fortress.

Church and archaeological heritage

St. Lawrence Church in Žákava dates from the 14th century and has Gothic origins. It was later altered in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. This sequence helps to distinguish the different stages of its architectural history: its Gothic origins belong to an earlier phase, while the Renaissance and Baroque styles mark later changes. For those interested in architecture, more than one period is relevant.

The Žákava-Sváreč burial mound field adds an archaeological dimension to this perspective. A scholarly assessment published in 2014 ranks it among the largest burial mound fields in West Bohemia. This comparison places the burial ground in a regional context. If you also choose destinations based on archaeological themes, this is a distinct aspect of Žákava alongside its church and local history.

Cycle route and public opening hours

The Žákava cycle route is part of the long-distance cycle route CT 31. If this route designation is important for your plans, check the current information before setting out, as route designations can change. This will help you take its inclusion in the long-distance route into account when planning your ride.

The Žákava municipal library is open to the public twice a month in 2026. If you are planning a visit, check the specific date. This fixed opening frequency is relevant to your plans in a different way from the local history or the cycle route information.

Discover more destinations: Sedliště Nad Úslavou, Otěšice, Trebcice, Kbel, Zinkovy, Soběkury, Robčice, Bolkov

Back to the regional travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.