A Romanesque tower, a Baroque rectory and a stone fountain relocated from Dobronice Castle give Bernartice U Milevska a strong cultural and historical character. Other attractions include the Hravé peklo exhibition in the Hus Chapel, a pilgrimage in July and a regional cycling loop. If you are looking for a hotel in Bernartice U Milevska, you can start by choosing a location that suits your travel interests: are you mainly interested in architectural history, exhibitions, an event, or a combination of culture and cycling?
The Church of St. Martin and its building phases
The Church of St. Martin stands in the historic center of the village. A Romanesque tower and parts of the nave have been preserved. Its history can be traced through several periods: the church already existed as a Romanesque building when the parish of Bernartice was first documented in 1251. In the 14th century, the church was built on the foundations of an older structure and later remodeled in the Baroque style. These dates describe different stages: 1251 marks the first documentation of the parish, while the 14th century dates the construction on older foundations. The surviving Romanesque parts also point to an earlier building phase. Those interested in architecture can distinguish the Romanesque elements, the older foundations, the 14th-century construction and the later Baroque remodeling.
The rectory and fountain in the square
The Baroque rectory and the stone fountain stand in the square. The rectory was formerly a Jesuit residence. In 1776, the fountain was moved from nearby Dobronice Castle to the square. The two features tell different stories about the village: the rectory reflects a former use, while the fountain tells of its origins and its relocation to its present site. Together, they add further architectural and local history in Bernartice to the story of the church.
Exhibitions and events
Another cultural attraction is Hravé peklo in the Hus Chapel. The exhibition focuses on hell and fairy tales; there is also a museum display about the production of pipe stems. The craft of turning pipe stems was introduced in Bohemia specifically in Bernartice. Fairy-tale motifs and a specific connection to local craftsmanship are brought together at this exhibition venue. You can visit Hravé peklo year-round; check the current opening hours before setting out.
A pilgrimage takes place every July at the Church of St. Rosalia. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the date for the year you wish to visit. Another kind of event is Bernartický sekáč, a scythe-mowing competition. Its 13th edition had 31 participants. Even if this competition is the reason for your stay, it is worth checking the exact date before booking.
Explore Bernartice by bike
The regional cycling loop passes through Bernartice, includes the Church of St. Martin and the Church of St. Rosalia, and returns to Bernartice. For cyclists, it offers a different planning option from the annual July pilgrimage: both churches are part of the same loop. You can choose whether to plan your trip around a recurring event or a regional loop featuring churches, without conflating these two travel ideas.
Discover more destinations: Probulov, Dobev, Kovářov, Hrazany, Zebrakov, Mirotice, Kluky, PĂsecká SmoleÄŤ
For the broader travel overview: PĂsek District.
