The parish Church of St. James the Greater and the surrounding forests represent two distinct sides of Veselá: a clearly defined historic building and walks through a wooded landscape. This distinction is useful when planning your trip. Those interested in historic architecture will find specific architectural features and historical context at the church; those who prefer spending time outdoors can make woodland walks the focus of their stay. Local events add another option if their dates fit your trip.

The Parish Church of St. James the Greater

The parish Church of St. James the Greater is a cultural and historical monument. Its surviving Gothic stone structure dates from the post-Hussite period, the mid-15th century. The nave is almost square; a tower stands to the west, while the chancel adjoins it to the east. The sacristy was added in 1856.

The layout and dating offer two different ways to approach the architecture: you can look at the shape of the building, or at its layers of history, from the Gothic structure to the later addition. The nave is the church’s main space, and the chancel is its eastern part. These terms make the building’s layout easier to understand and help distinguish its individual parts.

Events at the Pond, in the Fairy-Tale Forest and at the Church

Veselá’s traditional Rybářské závody (fishing competitions) are held at Jandovec Pond. The 10th edition took place in 2011 and the 21st in 2023. More than 80 children took part in the Noční hra (Night Game) in 2023. Their route led through a fairy-tale forest and included twelve stations with activities for children.

A church service was also part of a specific event: as part of Veselská pouť (Veselá Pilgrimage), it was held in the church on 30 July 2023. The examples differ in setting and character—from the competition at the pond and the children’s route through the fairy-tale forest to the church service. If you want a particular event to determine your stay, check the latest dates before booking.

Forests and a Route Named after Marie Kurandová

Veselá is surrounded by extensive forests, and the area offers opportunities for woodland walks. This is a different focus from exploring a single historic building: here, the landscape takes centre stage. Another named option is the Veselá–Houserovka tourist route. It is named after actress Marie Kurandová, giving the route a cultural connection. Woodland walks and the route’s name offer different starting points when considering which themes you would like to include in your stay.

Accommodation in Veselá

For an overnight stay in Veselá, the municipality’s tourist accommodation, with 20 beds, is an option. Check current availability before travelling. When choosing your stay, you can consider the local architectural history, woodland walks and a possible event date as different points of focus.

Discover more destinations: Vokov, Dobra Voda U Pacova, Vitice, Božejov, Castrov, Krasíkovice, Řečice U Humpolce, Jiřice U Humpolce

For the broader travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.