Veselíčko can be explored when planning a trip through two themes: the architectural and local history surrounding St. Anna and the castle, and two cycling routes that include the town. The church and the castle chapel share the same name but have different historical dates. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Veselíčko, you can make cultural history and cycling separate focuses of your trip.

St. Anna’s Church: Year of construction and consecration

St. Anna’s Church in Veselíčko dates from 1851. It was consecrated from 9 to 11 September 1854. The year of construction and the consecration period mark two different stages in the history of the church building: construction was dated to 1851, and the consecration followed three years later over several days.

Two sandstone statues stand in front of the church: one depicts Saint John of Nepomuk, the other Saint Erasmus, the martyr. Also in front of the church is a cross with the crucified Christ, dating from 1910. These features complement the building’s history with specific works of art in the area in front of the church. At St. Anna’s, the building, its consecration and the named works can therefore be considered separately, without assigning them the same date.

The chapel and park by the castle

Another St. Anna’s Chapel is located in Veselíčko Castle. Josef Bretfeld established it in 1798; in 1801 it was expanded and opened to ordinary worshippers. The sequence runs from its establishment to its expansion and opening just three years later, adding a distinct, earlier timeline to the castle’s history alongside that of the church built later.

The history of the park is also connected with Josef Bretfeld. He laid out an English-style park at Veselíčko Castle and below the pond dam. The chapel and park represent different aspects of the castle’s surroundings: a sacred space inside the castle and a landscaped area at the two named locations. The park’s design is therefore also part of the town’s historical context, though it should not be conflated with the history of St. Anna’s Church.

The Nádherný family crypt

The family crypt of the Lords Nádherný, Knights of Borutín, is located within the castle grounds. It was completed on 11 August 1892 and is a cultural monument in the Písek region. Its date is considerably later than the establishment and expansion of the castle chapel. Thus, alongside the chapel’s history around 1800, the castle grounds have another independently dated layer from the late 19th century.

Cycling routes connected with Veselíčko

Two different route connections are relevant when planning a cycling trip. The 86 km cycling loop “Cykloturistický okruh regionem Milevsko” passes through Veselíčko and lists the castle as a stop along the way. The total distance and named stop give this loop a clear regional framework. A second route, “Vesele ke Smutné,” passes through Veselíčko. Here, the town forms part of the route, whereas the castle is listed as a stop on the loop.

The starting point of the “Vesele ke Smutné” cycling route can be reached by car or bus. As route information may change, it is advisable to check the current description of your chosen cycling route when planning your trip. The two routes thus offer different starting points for a trip: a loop with a stated total distance and a stop at the castle, or a route that passes through Veselíčko.

Make cultural history or cycling your focus

If you choose Veselíčko as your destination, you can first decide whether to focus on the town’s and castle’s history or on cycling. For a cultural-history perspective, the main points of interest are St. Anna’s Church, the castle chapel of the same name, the English-style park and the family crypt, each with its own dates. For cyclists, the two route connections provide a more practical basis for planning; the castle is also listed as a stop on the 86 km loop.

You can search for a holiday apartment once you have made this decision: choose Veselíčko as your destination if you would like to include the cultural attractions or cycling routes described here in your travel plans. When planning a cycling trip, check the details for your chosen route and make your selection accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Mišovice, Temešvár, Hrejkovice, Cizova, Stehlovice, Záhoří and Písku, Slavkovice, Zebrakov.

Back to the main travel overview: Písek District.