Kolodeje Nad Luznici brings together the history of its castle, Jewish remembrance and a memorial to the puppeteer Matěj Kopecký. It is also a stop on the Via-Czechia “Stezka středozemím” route. The town’s history offers different perspectives: Renaissance architecture and chapel art, Jewish life in South Bohemia and individual historical memorial sites. Important for your planning: the grounds of Mitrowicz Castle are temporarily closed due to extensive construction work. Check access before your trip, before planning a visit there.

Mitrowicz Castle and the Chapel of St. Anne

Mitrowicz Castle, formerly known as Koloděje nad Lužnicí Castle, was built in 1565 as a small Renaissance manor house. Its trapezoidal ground plan defines the shape of the complex; the moat is fed by the Lužnice River. Both features offer a tangible impression of the historic architectural design, though the castle grounds should not currently be planned as an accessible attraction.

The Chapel of St. Anne is part of the castle. Its interior is richly decorated with frescoes; the ceiling fresco depicts the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity. The chapel also houses an organ dating from 1818. The painting and the organ provide different points of interest: the fresco shapes the ceiling’s decorative scheme, while the date identifies the organ as a historic furnishing. These details are part of the castle’s history, whether or not a visit to the grounds is possible during your trip.

Jewish History and the Cemetery

The Jewish cemetery in Kolodeje Nad Luznici is the largest monument complex of its kind in what is now the Jihočeský kraj. It is also home to the only tomb in South Bohemia, located above the grave of a regional rabbi. The complex thus combines a distinctive burial site with a history that extends beyond individual gravestones.

From the second half of the 18th century, Kolodeje was the seat of the regional rabbinate of Bechyně and later of the rabbinical districts of České Budějovice and Tábor. At the same time, the town was an important center of Jewish learning. To understand the cemetery, it is therefore important to consider not only its architectural distinction but also the town’s former religious and educational role. These two aspects—the monument complex and Kolodeje’s historical function—offer different ways into the region’s Jewish history.

Matěj Kopecký and the Granary

The puppeteer Matěj Kopecký died in Kolodeje Nad Luznici on July 3, 1847. The memorial there depicts a weeping Kasperle with a torn drum. The figure was created by sculptor J. Jiříkovský; the memorial was unveiled on July 6, 1947. Its depiction and precise dates connect a specific motif with Kopecký’s life story.

Another chapter of the town’s history is told by the Joseph II granary on the outskirts, in the direction of Týn nad Vltavou. It was built in 1771 as a grain store to help prevent famine. Its original purpose sets it apart from the monuments and the castle complex: here, the focus is on storing food supplies as a precaution. Together, these sites point to different themes—from religious and cultural heritage to practical provisions in earlier times.

A Stop on the Via-Czechia Route

Kolodeje Nad Luznici is a stop on the Via-Czechia “Stezka středozemím” route. Accommodation, a campsite and a bus stop are listed for this stop. If your plans depend on any of these, check that it is currently available before you set off. The route complements the historical themes with guidance for travelers on the “Stezka středozemím”; however, it does not replace checking the specific conditions on which you are basing your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mokrý Lom, Žabovřesky, Duben, Libníč, Roudné, Vitín, Branisovice, Lipnice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.