Čimelice combines striking architectural history with a cultural landscape that extends from the château grounds to protected areas. In the town centre, the prominent Kostel Nejsvětější Trojice church is a defining feature. The Čimelický zámek brings together Baroque architecture, later alterations and an English landscape park. Those wishing to understand the history of the town will find several points of reference: a religious building, a château complex and a natural setting.
A church with a medieval core and Baroque chapel
The oldest part of the Kostel Nejsvětější Trojice church is the sacristy, which probably dates from the first third of the 14th century. In the first half of the 18th century, the Baroque sv. Barbory chapel was added on the north side. It is vaulted with a dome and lantern. The church has a single nave and faces east. The building therefore shows distinct periods of construction: the probably medieval sacristy stands alongside the later Baroque extension. The church is also a prominent, widely visible feature of the town centre of Čimelice.
Château, park and designed landscape
The Čimelický zámek was built in the Baroque style in 1728–1730 and altered in 1817. These dates mark two phases of construction and give the château’s history a clear chronological sequence. An English landscape park extends around the château. A Baroque avenue connects the Čimelický zámek with the Rakovický state farm. The château, park and avenue are distinct elements of the designed cultural landscape: the complex, its landscape park and the route connecting it to another specifically named destination.
A different spatial area is the Čimelicko–Rakovicko Landscape Conservation Area, which lies within the municipality of Čimelice and was designated in 2002. It should therefore be distinguished from the immediate surroundings of the château. The Skalice stream also helps with orientation in the town: it flows through both parts of the Čimelice settlement.
Protected nature in the surrounding area
The Kopáčovská Natural Monument lies near Čimelice, in a woodland complex beside the Krsice–Rakovický mlýn road. It protects a 1.03-hectare wet meadow with protected plant species; the area was designated in 1985. Unlike the Landscape Conservation Area, this is a specifically described natural monument with a named habitat and a defined area. Check local access rules before visiting.
Visits and practical services
Visits to the J. K. Hammera Lapidarium in Čimelice are organised by Hana Chvalová. Arrange your visit with her in advance and check that it is possible before travelling: you can reach her on +420 605 883 607.
Sports facilities in Čimelice can also be rented. Booking is possible at least 24 hours before the start; cancellation is possible at least four hours in advance. To book, call +420 602 618 005. As facilities and reservation procedures may change, confirm the terms before use. Refreshments, ice cream and a confectionery shop are among the options for a break. Availability may vary, so check locally what is currently on offer.
Road orientation
The D4 motorway section between Čimelice and Mirotice bypasses the municipalities of Čimelice and Rakovice. This places the section in the context of the regional road network without suggesting that it runs through either town.
Discover more destinations: Slavkovice, Jetětice, Hrazany, Přeborov, Kožlí, Paseky, Kestřany, Branice
For the regional travel overview: Písek District.
