Chrášťovice can be explored through several specific themes: the history of its name and Tomáš Čapek, the chapel and memorials in the village, and the ponds, forests and a spring in the surrounding area. This brings local history and landscape together, while pilgrimage celebrations and a fire brigade event offer additional reasons to visit.
Local history in and beyond the village square
The village chapel stands in the village square and is designated as an architectural asset. A monument at the lower end of the square commemorates the victims of the First World War. Traditional pilgrimage celebrations include a ceremonial fire brigade procession to the chapel. The chapel and festivities are connected, while the monument offers a separate link to 20th-century history.
In older documents, Chrášťovice was called Krašťovice. A decree issued by the provincial administration on 22 February 1924 changed the name to Chrášťovice. The life of Tomáš Čapek is also linked to the village: he was born in Chrášťovice u Strakonic on 6 December 1861. Čapek was a jurist and lawyer, writer and historian, as well as a former president of the Bank of Europe.
House No. 16 is known as the “House of the Čapek Brothers.” Several wayside shrines stand nearby. There is a wayside shrine and a cross by House No. 9. Together with the village chapel, these smaller religious landmarks provide further specific points of interest in the local cultural heritage.
Farmstead and archaeological traces
Farmstead No. 39 is listed as an immovable cultural monument under registration number 32054/3-5159. It dates from the first half of the 19th century. Its buildings are arranged along a very narrow rectangular courtyard. On the west side stands a modernised rectangular residential building with a panel gable facing south and side wings. The description thus combines the dating of the complex with its distinctive layout and the orientation of the residential building.
Another historical trace lies in the field known as “Na skalici,” on the boundary between the cadastral areas of Leskovice and Chrášťovice. There is a preserved archaeological site with burial mounds. While the farmstead is part of the built cultural heritage, the burial mounds point to an archaeological site in the surrounding fields.
Ponds, forests and seasonal activities
There are numerous ponds around Chrášťovice. East of the village is the U Trpaslíka spring, a named landscape feature. Mushroom gatherers visit the deep forests in the surrounding area in summer, and cyclists also make use of the area. Alongside the village’s historical attractions, the landscape and outdoor activities can therefore also inform your travel plans.
There is an inn in the centre with terrace seating that can be used in summer. If you plan to visit, it is advisable to check in advance whether it is currently open for use.
Pilgrimage celebrations and a fire brigade event
Traditional pilgrimage celebrations include both a ceremonial fire brigade procession to the chapel and a small-sided football tournament. The fire brigade also holds “Hasičské rozloučení s létem” (Fire Brigade’s Farewell to Summer) at the beginning of September, alongside a ZHVB competition. The pilgrimage celebrations and the September event are separate occasions; if you plan to travel specifically for one of them, check the date for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Droužetice, Strašice, Brezi, Buzice, Sedlice U Blatné, Milejovice, Hlupín, Volenice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.
