A reconstructed medieval barn on the village square houses the memorial to Petr Chelčický. Other highlights include St. Martin’s Church, the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene and a strong connection to regional fruit growing. Chelčice can thus be explored through its architectural and commemorative history, its routes and its garden culture.
Memorial and Churches
The ground floor of the memorial houses a regional exhibition about Chelčicko and the Libějovicko-Lomecko conservation area. Visits must be arranged by telephone several days in advance. If you want to include the exhibition in your plans, make these arrangements before travelling.
St. Martin’s Church is late Romanesque and dates from around 1240. Its original Romanesque portal survives on the south side. The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene offers a different architectural accent: it is an early Baroque, hexagonal chapel dating from 1660–1663, and was remodelled between 1687 and 1710. These dates mark two distinct building phases and make the site’s architectural history especially tangible.
St. Martin’s Church is open during the regular Sunday services, which begin at 11 a.m. It can also be visited together with the Petr Chelčický exhibition by prior arrangement at the nearby Domov svatého Linharta. If you plan to take advantage of this option, it is best to confirm the arrangements before your trip.
Routes through Chelčice and the Surrounding Area
The Zeyerova stezka runs from the royal town of Vodňany through Chelčice, along a four-row avenue. This route description connects the name Chelčice with a specific course and a distinctive landscape feature. If you are interested in the route, these two reference points can help you place it.
A marked route from Lomec follows an old avenue, passing the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene and continuing to the road to Chelčice. Check the current markings on site before making this route a firm part of your plans. The Zeyerova stezka and the route described from Lomec offer different points of reference: one links Vodňany with Chelčice, while the other passes by the chapel.
Fruit Growing and the Nature Garden
Locally important fruit varieties bred in Chelčice include the “Libějovická raná” cherry and the “Petr Chelčický” apple. These named varieties give fruit growing a tangible local connection. Vegetables and herbs grow in the nature garden at Chelčický domov svatého Linharta; fruit trees and an insect hotel are among its other features. The garden has held the “Přírodní zahrada” certificate since July 2012.
The garden also features a therapeutic path and seating for rest and relaxation. For many years, the garden has taken part in the Open Gardens Weekend, held on the second weekend of June. This recurring date is particularly useful if you would like to combine your visit with an interest in garden culture.
Cycling and Event Dates
Cycle Route 1 is 48 km long, is rated as challenging and has its kilometre 0.0 point in Chelčice. Its length and difficulty rating provide concrete details for planning your own ride. A regular cycling tourism event is associated with the route and takes place annually in May and September.
Slavnosti květů is an annual festival held by the fruit growers of the Chelčicko-Lhenický microregion. In the 2025 edition, the “jízda květů” started on 3 May in Chelčice’s historic centre and attracted numerous cyclists and walkers. The Svatojánské slavnosti also took place on Friday, 19 June 2026, at Chelčický domov sv. Linharta in Chelčice. They celebrated the solstice, summer, herbs and fire.
When choosing dates, keep the different timings in mind: Open Gardens Weekend falls on the second weekend of June, while the cycling tourism event takes place in May and September. The specific start date for the “jízda květů” refers to the 3 May 2025 edition. If an event is important to your trip, check the date of the relevant edition in advance.
Discover more destinations: Radesov, Radějovice, Čečelovice, Cehnice, Volenice, Vodnany, Přešťovice, Přechovice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.
