Pluhův Žďár lies at the transition between the Třeboň Region and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Those looking to combine cultural history and cycling in one destination will find two different ways to do so here: the castle and church represent different architectural and artistic periods, while a themed cycling loop runs through the town. This allows you to tailor your stay to your interests rather than treating culture and activity as a single itinerary. Two landmarks in the town’s history are Pluhův Žďár Castle and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
Castle and Church: History in Several Layers
Pluhův Žďár Castle is a protected cultural monument. The castle site was first mentioned in written records in 1267; at the time, it was owned by Oldřich Pluh z Rabštejna. The castle courtyard features rare Baroque frescoes created by František Resch in 1718. The dates point to two distinct historical associations: the site’s early recorded mention and a later artistic decoration. Frescoes are wall paintings; in the courtyard, they add a distinct artistic accent alongside the history of ownership.
The story of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary goes back to a former chapel. It was built in 1542 above a spring whose water was said to have miraculous properties. In 1717, the former chapel was extended with a nave and its tower was raised; a further renovation of the church followed in 1861. The dates distinguish several different construction phases. The church is single-naved and non-oriented; its presbytery faces north and has a three-sided end. A prismatic tower stands in front of the church. “Single-naved” describes a building with one nave; the presbytery is the chancel. The technical term “non-oriented” refers to a deviation from the traditional east-west alignment. Alongside the frescoes in the castle courtyard, the church’s construction phases and spatial form provide a different focus.
Cycling with a Cultural Theme
The themed cycling loop “Přes památky do pohádky” runs through Pluhův Žďár and is suitable for families with children. It presents historical monuments in a playful fairy-tale format. This offers a different approach from looking at frescoes, floor plans and construction phases: the focus is on presenting the theme of monuments through fairy tales along the route.
A Route Starting and Finishing in Deštná
A 25 km route starts and finishes in Deštná.
Accommodation in Pluhův Žďár
Penzion U Zámku in Pluhův Žďár has 31 rooms and apartments, 103 beds and three extra beds. These figures provide an initial overview of its capacity. Before booking, check the availability of rooms and apartments for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Novosedly Nad Nežárkou, Český Rudolec, Rosička U Deštné, Višňová U Kardašovy Řečice, Příbraz, Okrouhlá Radouň, Světce, Clunek
For the broader travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.
