Sousedovice combines distinctive landscape features with a long history. The village lies at the foot of Hradiště; a reconstructed chapel stands on the village green, and archaeological finds date back far beyond the first written mention. There is also cycle route 1068 and the annual Masopust events. If you are looking for a destination where wooded heights and local history sit side by side, Sousedovice offers these two themes as points of reference for your stay.
Hills, Forest and Cycle Route
Sousedovice lies at the foot of Hradiště, which is 600 metres high. To the west rises the wooded hill Kamenná Bába, also called Skalice, at 555 metres. Southwest of Sousedovice, the long, wooded Kbýl stretches towards Libětice and reaches 664 metres. Of these three elevations, Kbýl is the highest; Kamenná Bába is lower than Hradiště. The extensive Hůl Forest also lies between Sousedovice, Drachkov and Pracejovice. Thus, the landscape is defined both by individual wooded heights and by a larger forest area situated between three municipalities.
Cycle route 1068 passes through Sousedovice and through a landscape with far-reaching views. Beyond the village, the geological formation Kamenná baba is also located along the route. These are two distinct points of reference: the cycle route passes through Sousedovice, while the formation lies along the route beyond the village. Together with the hills and Hůl Forest mentioned above, they provide several specific points of reference for the landscape around the village.
The Chapel and the History of Hradiště
The chapel of Sousedovice stands on the village green and is considered an important monument. It was reconstructed in 2002. Next to the municipal office is a monument to the fallen of the First World War, erected in 1936. The chapel and the monument point to different aspects of local history: the chapel is an important architectural monument, while the other memorial commemorates those who fell in the First World War.
Archaeological finds show that the present-day area of Sousedovice has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. In the Early Iron Age, around the 4th century BC, a settlement surrounded by stone ramparts stood on Hradiště. After a Slavic tribe resettled the area around the 7th century, Hradiště and its outer bailey were reportedly in use until the 10th century. The hill’s history thus extends from an Iron Age settlement to its later use with an outer bailey.
The first written mention of Sousedovice dates from 1243. A donation by Bavor I is also recorded for 1243: he donated part of Strakonice Castle and several villages, including Sousedovice, to the convent of the Order of Malta. The first mention of the village and the donation are two distinct historical references from the same year.
Masopust and Practical Information
A traditional Masopust procession passes through Smradice, Libětice and Sousedovice every year. Sousedovice also holds an annual masked carnival for children. If you would like to plan your trip around either of these events, check the specific event dates in advance.
Another practical detail concerns the multi-purpose sports ground in Sousedovice: it is fenced and locked, and its use must be reported to the municipal office. Bear this notification requirement in mind if you would like to use the grounds during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Volyně, Hlupín, Číčenice, Kladruby, Jinín, Strašice, Pracejovice, Únice.
View the wider travel overview: Strakonice District.
