Nahorany lies five kilometres south of Čestice. A small village square of medieval origin, a well-preserved ensemble of folk architecture and local traditions give the place a distinctive cultural character. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the historical themes and activities scheduled for specific dates: the village’s appearance offers a lasting discovery, while communal sauna sessions and the Živý betlém take place at particular times.

Village Scene and Folk Architecture

Nahorany is a well-preserved settlement in the foothills of the Šumava. Its ensemble of folk architecture includes masonry buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a chapel from the 19th century. The village square of medieval origin adds an older historical landmark to these later buildings. Together, they form not a single architectural monument, but a village scene that has developed over time and reflects several historical periods. Those interested in architecture will find a clear theme here: the square’s medieval origins alongside buildings and a chapel from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The village square also appears in the films Trhák and Princezna ze mlejna. These film connections offer an additional cultural link to the square’s historical character. They complement the architectural ensemble without obscuring the different periods in which it was built.

Historical Milestones

The first references to Nahorany date from the 14th century. One specific early date is 1315: at that time, the residents received significant privileges from Eliška Přemyslovna for guarding the royal forests. The year and the reason for the privileges provide a specific link between the village’s history and this responsibility. Alongside the medieval origins of the village square, this event is one of the notable early dates in Nahorany’s history.

Another historical milestone is the year 1629. Peasants led by the village magistrate of Nahorany resisted the re-Catholicisation movement in the area around Čestice. The peasant army from Nahorany controlled the entire region for three years and fought several minor skirmishes. These details point to a turbulent period; alongside the older references to the village square and the royal forests, they expand the historical picture to include the history of the peasants.

Sauna, Cold-Water Bathing and Christmas Tradition

At (S)Močidlo, there is a sauna house beside a well-maintained water reservoir. Communal sauna sessions and cold-water bathing take place there roughly every two to three days. The schedule may change, so if you are travelling specifically for this activity, check the current date before setting off. This makes it easy to distinguish the activity from the village’s enduring architectural features and plan for it accordingly.

The Živý betlém in Nahorany is an interactive performance accompanied by music, held on Christmas Eve and involving the audience. After the performance, participants and spectators gather in the chapel to sing Christmas carols together. The tradition thus combines a performance with communal singing in the chapel afterwards. If this occasion is a deciding factor in your trip, check the exact dates and participation requirements in advance, as they may change.

Getting Your Bearings Between Volyně and Čestice

Nahorany lies five kilometres south of Čestice. On the way from Volyně to Čestice, turn right at Nahorany and follow a paved road for about ten kilometres to Čestice. This gives you a specific guide to this route; road conditions may change. A separate route detail is cycle route No. 121, which connects Volyně and Čestice via local roads.

When planning your trip, you can choose between two distinct focuses: the village’s architecture and history, or a visit timed to coincide with the communal sauna sessions or the Živý betlém. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which of these focuses matters most for your trip. It is advisable to check dates for communal activities in advance; the architectural history and medieval village square, meanwhile, provide an independent reason to explore the place.

Discover more destinations: Hoštice, Nihošovice, Blatná, Kváskovice, Řepice, Předslavice, Bělčice, Štěkeň

For the broader travel overview: Strakonice District.