Cestice lies west of Volyně, above the valley of the Peklov stream, in the Šumavské podlesí landscape. When planning your trip, local history, sacred architecture and regional beekeeping come together here. The church, château, Calvary and Včelí stezka each offer a different focus.

Church and château: several building phases

Several phases of construction and decoration can be distinguished at the Kostel Stětí Sv. Jana Křtitele church. The tower dates from the early 13th century. The eastern part of the church, from the triumphal arch onwards, as well as the presbytery and choir, were remodelled in the Early Gothic style. The wooden Baroque high altar was made in 1737 by the carver Jan Hammer. This church building thus brings together an early-dated tower, areas remodelled in the Early Gothic style and a Baroque altar.

Zámek Čestice is an Early Baroque building from the first half of the 17th century, standing on the site of a former fortress. In front of the château is a stone Renaissance fountain built between 1815 and 1827. The regional museum in the château displays old farming equipment and historical objects connected with Čestice. The château’s architecture is thus complemented by a glimpse into agriculture and local history.

Calvary above Cestice

The Kalvárie pilgrimage complex above Cestice is a protected group of buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The central chapel, Kaple Povýšení sv. Kříže, is designed in the Italian Renaissance style. The complex also includes four Baroque niche chapels with images of the Passion. A wooden hermitage stands on the western slope of the hill. Renaissance design, Baroque chapels with images and the hermitage give the complex a variety of architectural accents.

Včelí stezka and Beekeeping Museum

The Včelí stezka starts above Cestice, by a wayside cross on the route towards Kobylka. The route from Cestice to Krušlov is about five kilometres long and has 14 stops with carved panels about the life of the honeybee. The approximate route length is a useful guide for planning your time; the stops give the trail its subject. In Krušlov, Machův včelín is dedicated to the legacy of Josef Mach and beekeeping. The museum includes more than 80 carvings and artistically designed beehives. The bee theme can therefore be explored both on an educational trail and through a dedicated collection.

Groups of four or more can arrange a guided tour of Machův včelín by telephone in advance, outside opening hours. Recurring events include the traditional “Ukončení sezóny” on the last Sunday in October. The Krušlovský včelín z.s. association, which runs Machův včelín, also holds beekeeping courses. As the course programme may change, check the current events and course programme before your trip.

A visit with an agricultural focus

Statek U Pichců in Čestice can be visited by prior telephone arrangement to see various farm animals. This complements the cultural and architectural themes with a visit focused on agriculture; arranging it by telephone is part of the planning.

Discover more destinations: Tourov, Hoslovice, Drážov, Cehnice, Kladruby, Čichtice, Truskovice, Číčenice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.