Branice reveals itself through several layers of history: chapels tell different stories of construction and remembrance, while the Prohledárium Vejrovského zemanství presents history with humour. There are also traces of a historic connection between Bechyně and Milevsko, as well as events with specific dates. Those wishing to focus their stay on culture can choose between sacred buildings, local history and an events programme.

Transport and historic routes

Branice lies on railway line No. 201 from Tábor via Písek to Ražice. For specific train connections, it is worth checking the current timetable, as transport services may change. A much older route is the Bechyňská cesta. It passed through Branice sometime between 1240 and 1260 and connected Bechyně and Milevsko; there was a crossroads in the village. The two accounts emphasise different aspects: the railway line is described by its route, while the historic road is described in terms of the settlements it connected at the time and the crossroads at Branice.

Three chapels, different places of remembrance

The Chapel of the Holy Cross stands on the site of a former plague cemetery dating from the 17th century. The present chapel was built after a storm destroyed the previous building in 1929; it was consecrated in 1931. Beside the chapel is an enclosed stone cross commemorating Stanislav Čunát. His name also appears on the memorial plaque. This place thus brings together the history of the former cemetery and the chapels with a specifically named personal memorial.

The Chapel of Saint Wenceslas dates from 1881 and is dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech lands. Its bell history adds another layer of time: earlier bells were removed twice because of war. In 1946, the municipality bought a new bell for the chapel, which remains in use to this day.

The Chapel of Saint Saturninus was built in 2006 by local volunteers from the Vejrovské zemanství association. The three buildings thus represent different aspects of local history: the former cemetery and rebuilding of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the dedication and bell of the Chapel of Saint Wenceslas, and the association’s involvement in building the Chapel of Saint Saturninus.

Museum, salons and cultural events

The Prohledárium Vejrovského zemanství is a museum in the Branice cultural centre that presents history with humour. Its exhibition topics include the 20th century, the Second World War, and remembrance of the victims of fascism and communism. This gives the museum a different focus from the chapels: political history and remembrance take centre stage. Exhibition content and visiting arrangements may change, so check them if you are planning your stay specifically around a visit.

The Prohledárium regularly hosts salons of drawn humour entitled “V obci Branice Vám rozhýbeme bránice”. This adds another cultural format to the historical themes; individual programmes may vary. Branice’s traditional cultural calendar also includes the New Year’s procession “Novoroční pochod” on 1 January and the Slavnosti Vejrovského zemanství festival on 1 June. If you are planning your trip around one of these festivals, check the current date and programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Drhovle, Obora U Cerhonic, Pametice U Pisku, Mirovice, Zvíkovské Podhradí, Cerhonice, Sepekov, Oslov.

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Písek.